Removal of autoreactive B and T cells before they become immunocompetent
In immunology, clonal deletion is the process of removing T and B lymphocytes from the immune system repertoire.[1][2] The process of clonal deletion helps prevent recognition and destruction of the self host cells, making it a type of negative selection. Ultimately, clonal deletion plays a role in central tolerance.[3] Clonal deletion can help protect individuals against autoimmunity, which is when an organism produces and immune response on its own cells. It is one of many methods used by the body in immune tolerance.
^Russell, John H. (1998-01-01), "Clonal Deletion", in Delves, Peter J. (ed.), Encyclopedia of Immunology (Second Edition), Oxford: Elsevier, pp. 569–573, ISBN978-0-12-226765-9, retrieved 2024-04-23