Clonal selection

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-002130",
  "term": "Clonal selection",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "A fundamental theory of adaptive immunity proposing that a specific antigen selectively activates and expands only those lymphocytes that express receptors capable of binding to that antigen. This process leads to the proliferation of antigen-specific B and T cells, generating a large population of effector cells and memory cells. It underpins the specificity and memory of the immune system.",
  "synonyms": [
    "selection theory (in immunology)"
  ],
  "subject": "Chemistry and Human Health",
  "see_also": [
    "lymphocyte activation",
    "lymphocyte"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 2012, 84, 1113. 'IUPAC glossary of terms used in immunotoxicology (IUPAC Recommendations 2012)' on page 1145 (https://doi.org/10.1351/PAC-REC-11-06-03)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/clonal-selection/"
}