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Advances in gene technology have allowed the manipulation of molecular interactions that shape the T cell repertoire. Although recognized as fundamental aspects of T lymphocyte development, only recently have the mechanisms governing positive and negative selection been examined at a molecular level. Positive selection refers to the active process of rescuing MHC-restricted thymocytes from programmed cell death. Negative selection refers to the deletion or inactivation of potentially autoreactive thymocytes. This review focuses on interactions during thymocyte maturation that define the T cell repertoire, with an emphasis placed on current literature within this field.

Original publication

DOI

10.1146/annurev.immunol.17.1.829

Type

Journal article

Journal

Annu Rev Immunol

Publication Date

1999

Volume

17

Pages

829 - 874

Keywords

Animals, Apoptosis, Autoimmune Diseases, Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinases, Cell Differentiation, Cell Survival, Humans, Isoenzymes, Major Histocompatibility Complex, Models, Biological, Peptides, Phospholipase C gamma, Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor, T-Lymphocytes, Transcription Factors, Type C Phospholipases