Year: 2012
Type: article
Abstract: Human T cells are critical mediators of an adaptive immune response, and individuals with T cell deficiencies are prone to devastating infections and disease.It is well known that the thymus, an organ in the anterior mediastinum, is indispensible for the development of a normal T cell repertoire in mammals.Likewise, individuals with poor thymic function due to congenital abnormalities, chemotherapy, or thymectomy suffer from decreased peripheral T cell counts and a subsequent immune deficiency.In murine models, there is evidence that the mucosal lymphoid tissue of the intestine contributes to extrathymic T cell development during normal homeostatic conditions, as can other peripheral lymphoid organs during situations of poor thymic output or pharmacologic intervention.However, whether or not human extrathymic lymphoid tissue, such as the bone marrow, lymph nodes, spleen or tonsil can participate in T cell development has remained unknown and controversial.Indeed, the identification of en extrathymic pathway for T cell lymphopoiesis in humans may suggest alternative pathways for the development of specific T cell subsets or may suggest methods for augmenting T cell generation in the face of thymic injury, absence, or disease.In the work summarized herein, we have identified a stepwise pathway of extrathymic T cell development in the human tonsil.This pathway begins with a CD34 + multipotent
Author: Susan McClory
Institution: The Ohio State University
Language: English
Topic: T-cell and B-cell Immunology
Subfield: Immunology
Field: Immunology and Microbiology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funder: Ohio State University
OpenAlex ID: W2524320522