The thymus: Its influence on recognition of “self major histocompatibility antigens” by T cells and consequences for reconstitution of immunodeficiency

The Development of the Human Thymus Microenviroment

“…They engulf and release up to 50 thymic lymphocytes, which functionally and morphologically resemble small cortical thymocytes. Some data, especially those of BEVAN (1977), ZINKERNAGEL et al (1978a-c), andZINKERNAGEL (1979), point to the fact that the early epithelial contact within the thymus cortex is essential for the major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-restricted cellular immune reactions and the acquisition of self-tolerance. believe that this intimate epithelial contact occurs during the sojourn of cortical thymocytes within TNCs.…”

Phenotypic and functional analysis of lymphocytes in myasthenia gravis

“…In an effort to delineate such u mechanisms, several laboratories have investigated the properties of cellular components and soluble factors that are intimately involved with regulating normal immune responses, the rationale being that defects in such an immunoregulatory network might account for the emergence of autoimmunity in MG. As is the case in many clinical disorders, investigators have focused on studies of blood lymphocytes. However, since the thymus is likely involved in the pathogenesis of MG and since this organ appears to be the pivotal site for establishment of the T cell repertoire [136], considerable attention has also been directed at thymic cell populations. In this presentation, we will review the body of information that deals with lymphocyte abnormalities in human MG with particular emphasis on aberrant immunoregulation.…”

Bone‐Marrow and Fetal‐Liver Transplantation in Immunodeficiencies and Inborn Errors of Metabolism: Lack of Significant Restriction of T‐Cell Function in Long‐Term Chimeras Despite HLA‐Mismatch

“…Doherty etal. 1978, Zinkernagel 1978. Other studies also showed the lack of co-operation between allogeneic T-and B-cells (Katz et al 1973).…”

“…This match must occur whether one is considering either transplanted thymus epithelium v.s the host's stem cells or the functioning thymus epithelium of the host vs transplanted stem cells from fetal liver. T-cell-depleted bone-marrow cells, or both thymus and stem cells when transplanted simultaneously" (Zinkernagel 1978).…”