Peripheral immune tolerance is an immunological mechanism that helps prevent the immune system from attacking the body's own tissues, thereby maintaining immune homeostasis and enabling discrimination between self and non‑self.
October 06, 2025
high
definition
Describes the biological role of peripheral immune tolerance.
In 2003 Shimon Sakaguchi linked prior findings by showing that the Foxp3 gene controls the development of regulatory T cells, and that regulatory T cells act to suppress other T cells that would otherwise overreact.
January 01, 2003
high
temporal
Functional linkage between a specific gene and the development and immunosuppressive role of regulatory T cells.
A 2001 discovery by Mary E. Brunkow and Fred Ramsdell identified a mutation in the Foxp3 gene that is associated with a rare human autoimmune disease.
January 01, 2001
high
temporal
Identification of a genetic mutation linked to immune dysregulation and a rare autoimmune disorder.
A 1995 discovery by Shimon Sakaguchi identified a previously unknown T cell subtype called regulatory T cells (T-regs).
January 01, 1995
high
temporal
Discovery of a distinct T cell subtype with regulatory function.
Regulatory T cells are a class of immune cells that maintain peripheral immune tolerance by suppressing immune responses and preventing the immune system from attacking the body's own tissues.
high
biological_process
Describes the functional role of regulatory T cells in immune self-tolerance.
Peripheral immune tolerance comprises mechanisms that prevent self-reactive immune cells from causing autoimmune disease outside of central tolerance processes in primary lymphoid organs.
high
immunology_concept
Defines the concept of peripheral tolerance in immune system regulation.
Central tolerance is the immunological process in which the thymus eliminates developing T cells that would react against the body's own tissues.
high
temporal
Definition of a fundamental immune system tolerance mechanism.