The cognitive paradigm and the immunological homunculus

Immunol Today. 1992 Dec;13(12):490-4. doi: 10.1016/0167-5699(92)90024-2.

Abstract

In last month's issue of Immunology Today, Irun Cohen discussed the inadequacies of the clonal selection paradigm and proposed a cognitive paradigm in which preformed internal images guide and restrict the process of clonal activation. Here he clarifies the nature of these internal images, during on concrete examples from the image of infection and the image of self, the immunological homunculus.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigen-Presenting Cells / immunology
  • Antigens / immunology
  • Autoantigens / immunology
  • Communicable Diseases / immunology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Isoantigens / immunology
  • Maternal-Fetal Exchange
  • Models, Biological
  • Pregnancy
  • Receptors, Immunologic / physiology*
  • Thymus Gland / immunology

Substances

  • Antigens
  • Autoantigens
  • Isoantigens
  • Receptors, Immunologic