The thymus microenvironment in regulating thymocyte differentiation

摘要: The thymus plays a crucial role in the development of T lymphocytes by providing an inductive microenvironment which committed progenitors undergo proliferation, T-cell receptor gene rearrangements and thymocyte differentiate into mature cells. forms complex network interaction that comprises non lymphoid cells (e.g., thymic epithelial cells, TEC), cytokines, chemokines, extracellular matrix elements (ECM), metalloproteinases other soluble proteins. meshwork is major component microenvironment, both morphologically phenotypically limiting heterogeneous regions lobules fulfilling important during specific stages maturation. process starts when bone marrow-derived lymphocyte precursors arrive at outer cortical region gland begin to functional will finally exit populate peripheral organs. During their journey inside thymus, thymocytes must interact with stromal (and products) proteins receive appropriate signals for survival, proliferation differentiation. components interactions maturation are summarized here objective contributing better understanding function as well assisting search new therapeutic approaches improve immune response various pathological conditions.