[Evaluation of thymopoiesis: clinical applications]

Rev Med Liege. 2007 Dec;62(12):725-9.
[Article in French]

Abstract

In the precedent article, we have described how T-cell generation in the thymus (thymopoiesis) may be currently evaluated through quantification by PCR of T-cell receptor excision circles (TREC) generated by intrathymic random recombination of the gene segments coding for variable parts of T-cell receptor for antigen (TCR). In hematology, TREC methodology helps in a better understanding of immune reconstitution after graft of hematopoietic stem cells: first there is a proliferation of mature T cells present in the graft, then a differentiation of naive T cells. In geriatrics, the homeostasis of the peripheral T-cell repertoire is maintained through proliferation of peripheral memory T cells rather than through thymic generation of naive T cells. In addition, TREC quantification constitutes a novel major tool for deciphering the tight control of thymopoiesis by the neuroendocrine system.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aging / immunology
  • Cell Differentiation / immunology
  • Child
  • Gene Rearrangement, T-Lymphocyte / genetics
  • Graft vs Host Disease / immunology
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
  • Homeostasis / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Memory / immunology
  • Lymphopoiesis / immunology
  • Middle Aged
  • Neurosecretory Systems / immunology
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / genetics
  • Recombination, Genetic / genetics
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Thymus Gland / immunology*
  • Transplantation Immunology / immunology

Substances

  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell