4 ms·
Yes, but T-cells learn to distinguish self from non-self in the thymus, and I don't believe this treatment alters the hemoglobin gene sequence in the thymal epi
by rcthompson 6y ago
Yes, but T-cells learn to distinguish self from non-self in the thymus, and I don't believe this treatment alters the hemoglobin gene sequence in the thymal epithelial cells. Of course, the thymus, like the rest of the body, will be served by red blood cells containing the new hemoglobin gene, but I'm not sure if this alone is sufficient for immature T-cells in the thymus to learn it as a self protein.
- tibbydudeza 6y agoMy understanding is that the "fixed" red blood cells antigens would be the same so the T-cell would not be triggered.
- rcthompson 6y agoAll the antigens would be identical except those derived from the modified gene. This tiny difference probably is pretty likely to escape detection, but not 100% guaranteed.