inmunotolerancia

Inmunotolerancia refers to the state in which the immune system refrains from reacting against self-antigens. This is a crucial mechanism for preventing autoimmune diseases, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues. There are two main types of immunotolerance: central tolerance and peripheral tolerance.

Central tolerance occurs during the development of lymphocytes, primarily T cells and B cells, in the primary lymphoid organs. In the thymus, T cells that strongly recognize self-antigens are eliminated through a process called negative selection. Similarly, in the bone marrow, self-reactive B cells are either eliminated or rendered anergic (unresponsive).

Peripheral tolerance operates outside the primary lymphoid organs and acts as a backup mechanism to prevent autoimmunity. It involves several processes, including clonal anergy, suppression by regulatory T cells (Tregs), and immune deviation, where the immune response is steered away from a destructive path. Failure of these tolerance mechanisms can lead to the breakdown of self-recognition and the onset of autoimmune conditions. Understanding immunotolerance is vital for developing therapies for autoimmune diseases and for improving the success of organ transplantation by preventing graft rejection.