A causal link between lymphopenia and autoimmunity

摘要: It is well recognized that the composition of mature T cell population subject to strict homeostatic control. The TCR repertoire and relative proportions various subsets are established in thymus, continue be shaped regulated periphery. As thymic function declines, peripheral mechanisms assume increasing importance. Indeed, loss does not lead progressive decline numbers because ensure size maintained due proliferation residual cells. However, our current understanding basic 'homeostatic' or lymphopenia-induced suggests this drive maintain may accompanied by diversity emergence auto-reactive effector This prediction supported experimental clinical evidence. consideration important lymphopenia seen commonly practice as a consequence viral infections, medical treatment cancer, autoimmunity, graft rejection. Lymphopenia simple link between infections one reason for common failure very potent, but non-specific, immunosuppressive drugs use.