Figure 2.

The “stealing” of pMHCII complexes from DC surfaces functions most effectively under limiting antigen conditions (left panel). The process can be helped by simultaneous removal of costimulatory molecules. In contrast, in the presence of high concentrations of antigen, the theft of pMHCII complexes is unlikely to be an effective suppressive mechanisms (right panel). More active mechanisms such as the secretion of inhibitory cytokines must be called into action.