Mechanisms of thymus medulla development and function.
Curr Top Microbiol Immunol
; 373: 19-47, 2014.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-23612988
ABSTRACT
The development of CD4(+) helper and CD8(+) cytotoxic T-cells expressing the αß form of the T-cell receptor (αßTCR) takes place in the thymus, a primary lymphoid organ containing distinct cortical and medullary microenvironments. While the cortex represents a site of early T-cell precursor development, and the positive selection of CD4(+)8(+) thymocytes, the thymic medulla plays a key role in tolerance induction, ensuring that thymic emigrants are purged of autoreactive αßTCR specificities. In recent years, advances have been made in understanding the development and function of thymic medullary epithelial cells, most notably the subset defined by expression of the Autoimmune Regulator (Aire) gene. Here, we summarize current knowledge of the developmental mechanisms regulating thymus medulla development, and examine the role of the thymus medulla in recessive (negative selection) and dominant (T-regulatory cell) tolerance.
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1
Colección:
01-internacional
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Timo
Límite:
Animals
/
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Curr Top Microbiol Immunol
Año:
2014
Tipo del documento:
Article