The thymus is a pivotal organ in the immune system, primarily responsible for the maturation of T cells, which are crucial for adaptive immunity. This organ's function is intricately linked to thymic epithelial cells (TECs), which are divided into cortical and medullary subsets. These cells, along with mesenchymal, endothelial, and hematopoietic cells, orchestrate the development of T cells that can recognize self-peptides without initiating an immune response. However, the thymus undergoes age-related atrophy after adolescence, which can be exacerbated by factors such as malnutrition, stress, and infections, leading to transient or permanent hypoplasia. Despite its regenerative potential, the thymus is susceptible to pathophysiological changes, including hyperplasia, autoimmune diseases, and oncogenic transformations, resulting in conditions like thymomas and thymic carcinomas. Current treatments, such as surgical resection, are limited, highlighting the urgent need for novel therapies. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms governing thymus development, regeneration, and tumorigenesis is crucial for advancing precision medicine and improving T cell output, especially in the context of aging and immunodeficiency.This research topic aims to explore the multifaceted aspects of thymus biology, from its development and function to its role in immunodeficiency and cancer progression. The primary objectives include elucidating the contributions of various cell subsets to thymic growth and regeneration, understanding the genetic and molecular underpinnings of thymic dysfunctions, and developing innovative therapeutic strategies. Key questions to be addressed include the mechanisms controlling thymopoiesis, the impact of genetic mutations on thymic structure and function, and the origins of thymic tumors. By addressing these questions, the research seeks to pave the way for precision therapies that can restore or enhance thymic function in clinical settings.To gather further insights into the complexities of thymus biology and its implications for health and disease, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:- Regulation of thymopoiesis, including the roles of TECs, mesenchymal cells, endothelial cells, and hematopoietic cells.- In-born errors of immunity leading to thymic hypoplasia/aplasia, such as PAX1, FOXN1, and 22q11.2 deletions.- Advances in organoid development for improving T cell maturation.- Diagnostics of thymus output, including TRECs and T cell output in aging and infections.- Therapeutic approaches, including implants, transplants, and cytokine therapies.- Autoimmunity and its impact on thymus function, with a focus on diseases like myasthenia gravis and ulcerative colitis.- Tumorigenesis, including genetic alterations and preclinical models of thymic epithelial tumors.- Clinical perspectives on radiological exposures, chemotherapy, and the consequences of postnatal thymectomy on immunity.
The thymus is a pivotal organ in the immune system, primarily responsible for the maturation of T cells, which are crucial for adaptive immunity. This organ's function is intricately linked to thymic epithelial cells (TECs), which are divided into cortical and medullary subsets. These cells, along with mesenchymal, endothelial, and hematopoietic cells, orchestrate the development of T cells that can recognize self-peptides without initiating an immune response. However, the thymus undergoes age-related atrophy after adolescence, which can be exacerbated by factors such as malnutrition, stress, and infections, leading to transient or permanent hypoplasia. Despite its regenerative potential, the thymus is susceptible to pathophysiological changes, including hyperplasia, autoimmune diseases, and oncogenic transformations, resulting in conditions like thymomas and thymic carcinomas. Current treatments, such as surgical resection, are limited, highlighting the urgent need for novel therapies. Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms governing thymus development, regeneration, and tumorigenesis is crucial for advancing precision medicine and improving T cell output, especially in the context of aging and immunodeficiency.This research topic aims to explore the multifaceted aspects of thymus biology, from its development and function to its role in immunodeficiency and cancer progression. The primary objectives include elucidating the contributions of various cell subsets to thymic growth and regeneration, understanding the genetic and molecular underpinnings of thymic dysfunctions, and developing innovative therapeutic strategies. Key questions to be addressed include the mechanisms controlling thymopoiesis, the impact of genetic mutations on thymic structure and function, and the origins of thymic tumors. By addressing these questions, the research seeks to pave the way for precision therapies that can restore or enhance thymic function in clinical settings.To gather further insights into the complexities of thymus biology and its implications for health and disease, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:- Regulation of thymopoiesis, including the roles of TECs, mesenchymal cells, endothelial cells, and hematopoietic cells.- In-born errors of immunity leading to thymic hypoplasia/aplasia, such as PAX1, FOXN1, and 22q11.2 deletions.- Advances in organoid development for improving T cell maturation.- Diagnostics of thymus output, including TRECs and T cell output in aging and infections.- Therapeutic approaches, including implants, transplants, and cytokine therapies.- Autoimmunity and its impact on thymus function, with a focus on diseases like myasthenia gravis and ulcerative colitis.- Tumorigenesis, including genetic alterations and preclinical models of thymic epithelial tumors.- Clinical perspectives on radiological exposures, chemotherapy, and the consequences of postnatal thymectomy on immunity.