Linked Life Data

18555891

Source:http://linkedlifedata.com/resource/pubmed/id/18555891

Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
2
pubmed:dateCreated
2008-6-16
pubmed:abstractText
The thymus represents the primary site for T cell lymphopoiesis, providing a coordinated set for critical factors to induce and support lineage commitment, differentiation and survival of thymus-seeding cells. One irrefutable fact is that the presence of non-lymphoid cells through the thymic parenchyma serves to provide coordinated migration and differentiation of T lymphocytes. Moreover, the link between foetal development and normal anatomy has been stressed in this review. Regarding thymic embryology, its epithelium is derived from the embryonic endodermal layer, with possible contributions from the ectoderm. A series of differentiating steps is essential, each of which must be completed in order to provide the optimum environment for thymic development and function. The second part of this article is focused on thymic T-cell development and differentiation, which is a stepwise process, mediated by a variety of stromal cells in different regions of the organ. It depends strongly on the thymic microenvironment, a cellular network formed by epithelial cells, macrophages, dendritic cells and fibroblasts, that provide the combination of cellular interactions, cytokines and chemokines to induce thymocyte precursors for the generation of functional T cells. The mediators of this process are not well defined but it has been demonstrated that some interactions are under neuroendocrine control. Moreover, some studies pointed out that reciprocal signals from developing T cells also are essential for establishment and maintenance of the thymic microenvironment. Finally, we have also highlighted the heterogeneity of the lymphoid, non-lymphoid components and the multi-phasic steps of thymic differentiation. In conclusion, this review contributes to an understanding of the complex mechanisms in which the foetal and postnatal thymus is involved. This could be a prerequisite for developing new therapies specifically aimed to overcome immunological defects, linked or not-linked to aging.
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
IM
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:issn
0079-6336
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Print
pubmed:volume
43
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
73-120
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:year
2008
pubmed:articleTitle
Histochemical and molecular overview of the thymus as site for T-cells development.
pubmed:affiliation
Human Anatomy Section, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnology, Viale Europa, 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy. rezzani@med.unibs.it
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article, Review, Historical Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't