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T cell tolerance to the skin: a central role for central tolerance

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Abstract

T cell tolerance to self-antigens is believed to be achieved in a two-step process. The first step, called central tolerance, takes place in the thymus. The second step takes place outside the thymus in secondary lymphoid organs. One may ask why two mechanisms are needed to insure T cell tolerance. These two mechanisms share redundant functions and dysfunctions, leading to T cell-mediated autoimmune syndromes. By reviewing the literature on relevant animal models for T cell tolerance and our own recent findings, we are providing evidences that only central tolerance is acting for the skin.

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Acknowledgements

We apologise to the many authors whose relevant works in the field of T cell tolerance are not cited here due to space limitations. This work was supported by Oncosuisse and the Association for International Cancer Research.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Louis Jeantet Skin Cancer Laboratory, Department of Patho-Immunology, University Medical Center, Rue Michel Servet 1, 1211, Geneva 4, Switzerland

    Prisca Schuler, Emmanuel Contassot & Bertrand Huard

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  1. Prisca Schuler
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  2. Emmanuel Contassot
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  3. Bertrand Huard
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Correspondence to Bertrand Huard.

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Schuler, P., Contassot, E. & Huard, B. T cell tolerance to the skin: a central role for central tolerance. Semin Immunopathol 29, 59–64 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00281-007-0062-7

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