Final answer:
If an immature B cell reactive to self-antigens is not removed, there's a risk of developing an autoimmune disease, as the immune system may fail to distinguish self from non-self, leading to it attacking the body's tissues.
Step-by-step explanation:
If an immature B cell that is reactive to multivalent self-antigen is not eliminated, there is a risk of developing an autoimmune disease. Self-recognition is a critical aspect of the adaptive immune response, which involves the ability to distinguish between self-antigens, normally present in the body, and foreign antigens that could be on potential pathogens.
The maturation process of B cells includes mechanisms such as negative selection to eliminate self-reactive B cells to minimize the risk of autoimmunity. However, these mechanisms aren't always effective. When they fail, B cells may not tolerate self as they should, potentially leading to autoimmune diseases where the immune system mistakenly targets the body's own tissues rather than just foreign pathogens.