T-cell selection in the thymus
During negative selection in the thymus, which developing T cells are eliminated?
Answer D: explanation for every choice
A
T cells unable to bind MHC die during positive selection.
B
Double-positive cells are a normal stage, before they commit to CD4 or CD8.
C
Thymic selection happens before T cells encounter pathogens.
D
Correct. Negative selection removes strongly self-reactive T cells, establishing central tolerance.
TakeawayPositive selection: must bind MHC. Negative selection: must not react strongly to self.
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Reviewed 2026-11-05 by a medical student. Spot an error? Report it with question ID bb151.