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Development of the thymus
Author(s) -
Bockman Dale E.
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
microscopy research and technique
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.536
H-Index - 118
eISSN - 1097-0029
pISSN - 1059-910X
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1097-0029(19970801)38:3<209::aid-jemt2>3.0.co;2-h
Subject(s) - primordium , neural crest , endoderm , biology , ectoderm , pharyngeal pouch , microbiology and biotechnology , morphogenesis , embryology , immune system , digeorge syndrome , process (computing) , foxa2 , immunology , embryogenesis , anatomy , embryo , cellular differentiation , embryonic stem cell , genetics , gene , computer science , operating system
Proper development of the thymus is critical for an individual to acquire full immune capability. A full complement of the components that participate in thymic development, interacting with each other at the correct time, is required for maturation. In order to establish the microenvironment necessary for T‐cell differentiation, the epithelial primordium of the thymus must expand from pharyngeal endoderm with the aid of contributions from the ectoderm. Experimental studies have established the importance of mesenchymal derivatives from the neural crest in functional development of the epithelial primordium. Interfering with this process inhibits thymic development in a manner similar to that observed in congenital conditions such as the DiGeorge syndrome and the fetal alcohol syndrome. These observations provide clues to understanding the origin of defects in thymus‐dependent immunity, and point the way to studies that will expand our understanding of the controls that are involved in genetic and environmental factors impacting on this process. Microsc. Res. Tech. 38:209–215, 1997. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.