alloréceptrice

Alloreceptrice is a term used in immunology to describe a specific type of immune cell response. It refers to the recognition and reaction of an immune cell to foreign antigens that are not self. This is a fundamental process in the immune system, enabling it to distinguish between the body's own cells and foreign invaders like bacteria, viruses, or transplanted tissues.

The primary cells involved in alloreception are T lymphocytes, particularly T helper cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes. These cells possess T cell receptors (TCRs) on their surface that are capable of binding to specific antigen fragments presented by other cells. When a T cell encounters an antigen that is recognized as foreign, it becomes activated. This activation triggers a cascade of events leading to an immune response, which can include the proliferation of T cells, the release of signaling molecules called cytokines, and, in the case of cytotoxic T lymphocytes, the destruction of the targeted foreign cells.

Alloreception plays a critical role in tissue transplantation. The immune system of the recipient recognizes the transplanted organ or tissue as foreign due to differences in human leukocyte antigens (HLAs), which are cell surface proteins. This recognition can lead to graft rejection, where the recipient's immune system attacks and damages the transplanted tissue. Understanding alloreception is therefore crucial for developing strategies to prevent or mitigate graft rejection, such as tissue matching and immunosuppressive therapies.