Question

Which of the following BEST describes the relationship between natural TREGs and induced TREGs?

A. Natural TREGs differentiate into induced TREGs in response to stimulation through the TCR.
B. Natural TREGs are derived from memory T cells, and induced TREGs differentiate directly from developing thymocytes.
C. Natural TREGs develop in the thymus, and induced TREGs develop in the periphery.
D. Natural TREGs have less diverse TCRs than induced TREGs.
E. None of the above

Answer 1

Natural Treg cells develop in the thymus and are critical for central tolerance, whereas induced Treg cells develop in the periphery from conventional T cells in response to antigens and are essential for peripheral tolerance.

Step-by-step explanation:

The relationship between natural Treg cells and induced Treg cells is differentiated by their place of development and how they are formed. Natural Treg cells, also known as thymic Tregs, are a subset of T cells that develop in the thymus and are involved in the maintenance of central tolerance.

In contrast, induced Treg cells (iTregs) develop in the periphery from conventional T cells upon encountering antigens under certain conditions, such as the presence of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta). These iTregs contribute to peripheral tolerance by suppressing immune responses and maintaining immune homeostasis. Therefore, the correct answer to the question, "Which of the following BEST describes the relationship between natural Tregs and induced Tregs?" is C. Natural Tregs develop in the thymus, and induced Tregs develop in the periphery.