Loading…

Thymic Transcription of Neurohypophysial and Insulin-Related Genes: Impact Upon T-Cell Differentiation and Self-Tolerance

The thymus is the unique lymphoid organ responsible for the generation of a diverse repertoire of T lymphocytes that are competent against non self‐antigens while being tolerant to self‐antigens. A vast repertoire of neuroendocrine‐related genes is transcribed in the nonlymphoid cellular compartment...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of neuroendocrinology 2005-05, Vol.17 (5), p.321-327
Main Author: Hansenne, I.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:The thymus is the unique lymphoid organ responsible for the generation of a diverse repertoire of T lymphocytes that are competent against non self‐antigens while being tolerant to self‐antigens. A vast repertoire of neuroendocrine‐related genes is transcribed in the nonlymphoid cellular compartment of the thymus (thymic epithelial cells, dendritic cells and macrophages). The precursors encoded by these genes engage two types of interactions with developing T cells (thymocytes). First, they are not processed in a classical neuroendocrine way but as the source of self‐antigens that are presented to pre‐T cells by the major histocompatibility complex proteins of the thymus. This presentation could be responsible for the establishment of central T‐cell self‐tolerance to neuroendocrine functions. Second, they also deliver signal ligands that are able to bind to neuroendocrine‐type receptors expressed by thymocytes. This interaction activates several types of intracellular signalling pathways implicated in the developmental process of T lymphocytes. Several experimental arguments support a role for thymic dysfunction as a crucial factor in the development of organ‐specific autoimmune endocrinopathies, such as ‘idiopathic’ central diabetes insipidus and type 1 diabetes mellitus. The rational use of tolerogenic neuroendocrine self‐antigens for the prevention/treatment of autoimmune endocrinopathies is currently under investigation.
ISSN:0953-8194
1365-2826
DOI:10.1111/j.1365-2826.2005.01301.x