Why does the thymus involute? A selection-based hypothesis
- Author(s)
- Dowling, MR; Hodgkin, PD;
- Details
- Publication Year 2009-07,Volume 30,Issue #7,Page 295-300
- Journal Title
- TRENDS IN IMMUNOLOGY
- Publication Type
- Journal Article
- Abstract
- Thymic involution remains a fundamental mystery in immunology. Here we present an argument that this seemingly counterproductive behavior may have evolved to allow for peripheral selection of a T-cell repertoire during young-adult life, optimized for fighting infections and avoiding reaction to self. Age-associated decline in immune function may be viewed as an unfortunate side effect of this selective process. Thus, the key to understanding thymic involution might lie in a more quantitative understanding of T-cell homeostasis in the periphery.
- Publisher
- ELSEVIER SCI LTD
- Keywords
- T-CELL REPERTOIRE; PERIPHERAL SELECTION; NEGATIVE SELECTION; LIFE-SPAN; AGE; HOMEOSTASIS; OUTPUT; PROLIFERATION; LYMPHOCYTES; RECEPTOR
- Publisher's Version
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.it.2009.04.006
- Terms of Use/Rights Notice
- Refer to copyright notice on published article.
Creation Date: 2009-07-01 12:00:00