Elucidating Specificity Opens a Window to the Complexity of Both the Innate and Adaptive Immune Systems

Abstract

Science is a tedious and painstaking business. Many discoveries are considered incremental, individually not necessarily earth shattering, but collectively providing the critical broad framework on which pivotal insights can emerge. Transformational discoveries spring from this knowledge legacy of others and spur a fervent discovery process, often driven by technological developments. The seminal discovery of major histocompatibility class restriction I (MHCI) and its role in antiviral infections by Doherty and Zinkernagel in 1974 was one such discovery-the key that unlocked the treasure chest to the rich tapestry of the diversity of the immune system. An army of researchers have teased apar..