The Role of the Thymus in the Integrated Evolution of the Recombinase-Dependent Adaptive Immune Response and the Neuroendocrine System

Abstract

Before being able to react against infectious non-self-antigens, the immune system has to be educated in recognition and tolerance of neuroendocrine self-proteins. This sophisticated educational process takes place only in the thymus. The development of an autoimmune response directed to neuroendocrine glands has been shown to result from a thymus dysfunction in programming immunological self-tolerance to neuroendocrine-related antigens. This thymus dysfunction leads to a breakdown of immune homeostasis with an enrichment of ‘forbidden’ self-reactive T cells and a deficiency in self-antigen-specific natural regulatory T cells in the peripheral T lymphocyte repertoire. A large number of neuroendocrine self-antigens are expressed by the thymic epithelium, under the control of the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene/protein in the medulla. Based on the close homology and cross-tolerance between thymic type 1 diabetes-related self-antigens and peripheral antigens targeted in β-cells by autoimmunity, a novel type of vaccination is currently developed for the prevention and cure of type 1 diabetes. If this approach were found to be effective in reprogramming immunological tolerance that is absent or broken in this disease, it could pave the way for the design of negative/tolerogenic self-vaccines against other endocrine and organ-specific autoimmune disorders.

Immune-Boosting Potentiating Properties of Brassica nigra Hydroalcoholic Extract in Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunosuppression in Rats

“…When combined with complement and macrophages, IgM can stimulate complement and improve phagocytosis [78]. Regarding the immune system, T cells are associated with the cell-mediated response, whereas B cells are linked to the humoral response [79]. Antigen-stimulated T cells undergo a process of differentiation and transformation into plasma blasts, which release immunoglobulin and control immunological responses [80].…”

Immune Tolerance Therapy

“…It is reported that a numerous neuroendocrine self-antigens are expressed by the thymic epithelium which is controlled by the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene/protein. [ 18 ] According to a review, numerous gens are expressed in the thymus, including circulatory, central nervous, digestive, and eyes. [ 19 ] Myelin basic protein (MBP) is the second most abundant protein after proteolipid protein (PLP) in CNS.…”