Thymic Development and Selection of T Lymphocytes

Outlining cutting-edge knowledge of the T cell-manufacturing thymus, a primal organ common to all vertebrates, this book by leading researchers covers key aspects of thymopoiesis and opens promising new vistas in our understanding of autoimmune diseases.

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The thymus is an evolutionarily ancient primary lymphoid organ common to all vertebrates in which T cell development takes place. Failing thymus function is associated with immunodeficiency and/or autoimmunity. In this volume, leading experts provide a comprehensive overview of recent advances in thymopoiesis research. The chapters cover the development of the thymic epithelial microenvironment, address the formation of a diverse and self-tolerant repertoire of T cell receptors as the basis for cellular immunity, discuss the mechanisms by which progenitor cells colonize the thymus and detail the molecular basis for T lineage decisions. The reviews illustrate the important role of the multifaceted process of thymopoiesis for adaptive immunity.