Anergy is easily induced in T cells ''in vivo'' by activation of T cell receptors without co-stimulation; it can be induced ''in vitro'' by the injection of potent superantigens (antigens that stimulate T cells with different receptor types, using the same T cell receptor V gene). Anergy occurs naturally when there is a downregulation of T cell receptors as a result of chronic stimulation. Anergy induced without co-stimulation can be reversed by IL-2. | Anergy is easily induced in T cells ''in vivo'' by activation of T cell receptors without co-stimulation; it can be induced ''in vitro'' by the injection of potent superantigens (antigens that stimulate T cells with different receptor types, using the same T cell receptor V gene). Anergy occurs naturally when there is a downregulation of T cell receptors as a result of chronic stimulation. Anergy induced without co-stimulation can be reversed by IL-2. |