Perspectives for Improvement of the Thymic Microenvironment through Manipulation of Thymic Epithelial Cells: A Mini-Review

Gerontology
Ailin LepletierWilson Savino

Abstract

Thymic involution during aging is a major reason for the decreased production of naive T cells and reduced immunity. Alterations within the thymic microenvironment, characterized by the loss of function of thymic epithelial cells (TECs) and fibro-adipogenetic transformation, seem to underlie this process, mainly through declining communication between thymic stromal cells and developing thymocytes. Specifically, the signaling mediated by cytokines and hormones secreted by TECs declines during aging. Many therapies based on the manipulation of growth factors and hormones have succeeded in partially recovering the lymphoid compartment and promoting thymic function. However, considering that aging-induced thymic involution is multifactorial, the thymic reestablishment achieved with treatments that target isolated pathways is incomplete and transitory. Here, we discuss the development of three novel approaches for potentially sustained thymic recovery: the induction of sustained forkhead box N1 expression, the activation of endogenous thymic epithelial progenitor cells (TEPCs), and the generation of TEPCs from pluripotent stem cells. Combined approaches targeting both TECs and lymphoid cells will provide a potentially more effectiv...Continue Reading

Citations

Oct 7, 2015·Nature Reviews. Endocrinology·Wilson SavinoMireille Dardenne
Jun 9, 2020·Developmental Dynamics : an Official Publication of the American Association of Anatomists·Javier García-CecaAgustín G Zapata
May 24, 2019·Biogerontology·Mirjana Nacka-AleksićGordana Leposavić
Jan 31, 2020·Stem Cell Reviews and Reports·Valentin P Shichkin, Mariastefania Antica
Dec 14, 2019·Advanced Science·Yanna ZhangXiancheng Chen
Oct 4, 2019·Rejuvenation Research·Andrew R Mendelsohn, James W Larrick
Jun 3, 2021·Cancers·Meriem Ben KhoudCarine Brinster
Jul 27, 2021·Advanced Science·Himal Sharma, Lorenzo Moroni

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.