The most important function of peripheral tolerance is to:

• A. Eliminate mature B & T lymphocytes that bypassed central tolerance from reacting to self-cells.
• B. Eliminate inactive B & T lymphocytes from peripheral blood.
• C. Eliminate self-reacting B & T lymphocytes before they enter central tolerance.
• D. Eliminate mature B & T lymphocytes from the bone marrow.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of peripheral tolerance: Peripheral tolerance is a mechanism that prevents immune cells from attacking the body's own tissues after they have matured and left the central lymphoid organs.
2. Differentiate between central and peripheral tolerance: Central tolerance occurs in the thymus and bone marrow, where immature lymphocytes are eliminated if they react to self-antigens. Peripheral tolerance occurs after lymphocytes have matured and are in circulation.
3. Identify the role of peripheral tolerance: Peripheral tolerance is crucial for eliminating mature B and T lymphocytes that have escaped central tolerance and could potentially react to self-cells, preventing autoimmune responses.
4. Consider the options provided: Evaluate each option based on the understanding of peripheral tolerance. The correct function should align with the prevention of self-reactive mature lymphocytes from causing harm.
5. Select the correct answer: Based on the understanding that peripheral tolerance eliminates mature B and T lymphocytes that bypassed central tolerance, choose the option that accurately describes this function.