Translate this into English please

[Patassa]

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"Normally the immune system avoids attacking the tissues of its own body because it suppresses cells that are specific to its own body's antigens".

What does "suppressing cells" mean in this context? I have no idea what this convoluted MCAT explanation is telling me.

 

[Jepstein30]

"Normally the immune system avoids attacking the tissues of its own body because it suppresses cells that are specific to its own body's antigens".

What does "suppressing cells" mean in this context? I have no idea what this convoluted MCAT explanation is telling me.

The body synthesizes loads and loads of antibodies. Some of these antibodies are specific to non-self antigens (i.e. bad stuff) while others are specific to the body's own antigens (as in, stuff the body normally makes). Obviously you don't want your immune system to trigger on your own antigens, so this is done by suppressing (i.e. destroying) antibodies that are specific to self-antigens.

 

[Patassa]

The body synthesizes loads and loads of antibodies. Some of these antibodies are specific to non-self antigens (i.e. bad stuff) while others are specific to the body's own antigens (as in, stuff the body normally makes). Obviously you don't want your immune system to trigger on your own antigens, so this is done by suppressing (i.e. destroying) antibodies that are specific to self-antigens.

So you're saying that the body destroys some of the antibodies that it just produced? What about this "suppressing cells" language, which cells are they talking about that are being suppressed? Aren't antibodies proteins, therefore not technically cells? I'm clearly not making the connection here, sorry.

 

[dcamkl1]

The general concept is that the immune system has regulatory systems that keep us from attacking ourselves (i.e. autoimmune disorders)

Clonal selection is one way our immune system ensures the production of antibodies against non-self antigens, instead of self-antigens. B-cells are derived (differentiate) from a hematopoietic stem cell (HSC). During this differentiation process, many types of B-cells are produced, each with different receptors capable of rearrangement. This rearrangement allows B-cells to respond to a variety of antigens. Here, if there's a B-cell that contains receptors for your own (self) antigens, then they will be destroyed. The remaining B-cells will not be destroyed and stay inactive, unless activated by a foreign antigen encounter. If a non-self antigen binds to the B-cell on a particular receptor, the B-cell will differentiate to specifically respond to that antigen, producing antibodies against it.

The similar thing happens with T-cells, I think. Also, for T-cells, there are T-suppressor cells are involved in similar regulatory strategies.

 

[Jepstein30]

So you're saying that the body destroys some of the antibodies that it just produced? What about this "suppressing cells" language, which cells are they talking about that are being suppressed? Aren't antibodies proteins, therefore not technically cells? I'm clearly not making the connection here, sorry.

Yea, I don't know why they used the term "cells" here.. i've only ever heard of this with proteins (antibodies).

I'm no expert in immunology but I think of this concept this way: The cell just produces random antibodies.. some will be specific to self-antigens and need to be recognized + destroyed to prevent autoimmune diseases.

 

[MaDA]

Yeah I remember this question, "suppresses" is a stupid way to put it, because any b cell produced that produces surface antibodies which are against the self are destroyed, and they never create any antibodies which go into free circulation.

 

[SquatOrRot]

The general concept is that the immune system has regulatory systems that keep us from attacking ourselves (i.e. autoimmune disorders)

Clonal selection is one way our immune system ensures the production of antibodies against non-self antigens, instead of self-antigens. B-cells are derived (differentiate) from a hematopoietic stem cell (HSC). During this differentiation process, many types of B-cells are produced, each with different receptors capable of rearrangement. This rearrangement allows B-cells to respond to a variety of antigens. Here, if there's a B-cell that contains receptors for your own (self) antigens, then they will be destroyed. The remaining B-cells will not be destroyed and stay inactive, unless activated by a foreign antigen encounter. If a non-self antigen binds to the B-cell on a particular receptor, the B-cell will differentiate to specifically respond to that antigen, producing antibodies against it.

The similar thing happens with T-cells, I think. Also, for T-cells, there are T-suppressor cells are involved in similar regulatory strategies.

This explanation is the best response you have and far more than sufficient for MCAT level immunology. Understand what this says and you should be set.

 

[Patassa]

The general concept is that the immune system has regulatory systems that keep us from attacking ourselves (i.e. autoimmune disorders)

Clonal selection is one way our immune system ensures the production of antibodies against non-self antigens, instead of self-antigens. B-cells are derived (differentiate) from a hematopoietic stem cell (HSC). During this differentiation process, many types of B-cells are produced, each with different receptors capable of rearrangement. This rearrangement allows B-cells to respond to a variety of antigens. Here, if there's a B-cell that contains receptors for your own (self) antigens, then they will be destroyed. The remaining B-cells will not be destroyed and stay inactive, unless activated by a foreign antigen encounter. If a non-self antigen binds to the B-cell on a particular receptor, the B-cell will differentiate to specifically respond to that antigen, producing antibodies against it.

The similar thing happens with T-cells, I think. Also, for T-cells, there are T-suppressor cells are involved in similar regulatory strategies.

Ok so to synthesize this with the MCAT's answer, it's these B-cells that contain receptors for my self antigens that are being "suppressed"?

That makes sense, although the word "suppress" seems like a really poor choice from these writers. When I think "suppress" I think "restrain, hold back, or put down resistance", but that's the 2nd definition, the first is "forcibly put an end to" which I guess works.

Thanks for the excellent immuno lesson, much appreciated.