A Guide to Thymic Selection of T Cells

Overview

Journal Nat Rev Immunol

Specialty Allergy & Immunology

Date 2023 Jul 18

PMID 37464188

Authors

K Maude Ashby

Kristin A Hogquist

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The thymus is an evolutionarily conserved organ that supports the development of T cells. Not only does the thymic environment support the rearrangement and expression of diverse T cell receptors but also provides a unique niche for the selection of appropriate T cell clones. Thymic selection ensures that the repertoire of available T cells is both useful (being MHC-restricted) and safe (being self-tolerant). The unique antigen-presentation features of the thymus ensure that the display of self-antigens is optimal to induce tolerance to all types of self-tissue. MHC class-specific functions of CD4 T helper cells, CD8 killer T cells and CD4 regulatory T cells are also established in the thymus. Finally, the thymus provides signals for the development of several minor T cell subsets that promote immune and tissue homeostasis. This Review provides an introductory-level overview of our current understanding of the sophisticated thymic selection mechanisms that ensure T cells are useful and safe.

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