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Immune tolerance and the prevention of autoimmune diseases essentially depend on thymic tissue homeostasis
The intricate balance of immune reactions towards invading pathogens and immune tolerance towards self is pivotal in preventing autoimmune diseases, with the thymus playing a central role in establishing and maintaining this equilibrium. The induction of central immune tolerance in the thymus inv...
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| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Philipps-Universität Marburg
2024
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | PDF Full Text |
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| Summary: | The intricate balance of immune reactions towards invading pathogens and
immune tolerance towards self is pivotal in preventing autoimmune diseases,
with the thymus playing a central role in establishing and maintaining this
equilibrium. The induction of central immune tolerance in the thymus involves
the elimination of self-reactive T cells, a mechanism essential for averting
autoimmunity. Disruption of the thymic T cell selection mechanisms can lead
to the development of autoimmune diseases. In the dynamic microenvironment
of the thymus, T cell migration and interactions with thymic stromal cells are
critical for the selection processes that ensure self-tolerance. Thymic epithelial
cells are particularly significant in this context, presenting self-antigens and
inducing the negative selection of autoreactive T cells. Further, the synergistic
roles of thymic fibroblasts, B cells, and dendritic cells in antigen presentation,
selection and the development of regulatory T cells are pivotal in maintaining
immune responses tightly regulated. This review article collates these insights,
offering a comprehensive examination of the multifaceted role of thymic tissue
homeostasis in the establishment of immune tolerance and its implications in the
prevention of autoimmune diseases. Additionally, the developmental pathways
of the thymus are explored, highlighting how genetic aberrations can disrupt
thymic architecture and function, leading to autoimmune conditions. The impact
of infections on immune tolerance is another critical area, with pathogens
potentially triggering autoimmunity by altering thymic homeostasis. Overall,
this review underscores the integral role of thymic tissue homeostasis in the
prevention of autoimmune diseases, discussing insights into potential
therapeutic strategies and examining putative avenues for future research on
developing thymic-based therapies in treating and preventing
autoimmune conditions. |
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| Item Description: | Gefördert durch den Open-Access-Publikationsfonds der UB Marburg. |
| DOI: | 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1339714 |