Do reshuffled genes cause autoimmunity?

摘要

Deep in the bone marrow of mammals, immune cells called B lymphocytes, or B cells, gear up to distinguish enemies from friends. The lymphocytes shuffle their genes to produce a diverse population of cells that makes millions of distinct antibodies, ready to battle whatever microorganism may come along (SN: 11/7/98, p. 302). Once the immune system devises an antibody that can recognize and latch onto an enemy organism, it mass-produces the particular type of B cell that made the antibody. These and the antibodies they make are then sent out into the fray. Poorly programmed B cells that might attack healthy tissues are typically weeded out in the bone marrow.