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Related Concept Videos

T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection01:22

T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection

T cells are integral to our adaptive immune system, recognizing and effectively responding to foreign antigens. T cell activation and clonal selection are pivotal in orchestrating this immune response. This article elucidates these mechanisms, detailing the roles of cluster of differentiation (CD) markers, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, costimulatory signals, and the process of clonal selection.
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
T Cell Types and Functions01:24

T Cell Types and Functions

When T cells with CD4 markers are activated, they give rise to two types of effector cells: helper T cells and regulatory T cells. Meanwhile, T cells with CD8 markers differentiate into effector cytotoxic T cells. The differentiation of CD4 T cells into helper T cell subsets, such as Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells, is dependent on the antigen type, antigen-presenting cell, and regulatory cytokines.
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Primary Lymphoid Organs01:16

Primary Lymphoid Organs

Primary lymphoid organs are pivotal in the formation, development, and maturation of lymphocytes, the white blood cells that serve as the backbone of our immune system. This crucial function underscores their fundamental role in maintaining our overall health and immunity. The two primary lymphoid organs of prime importance are the red bone marrow and the thymus.
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Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response01:27

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Immunological surveillance is the ability of immune cells to monitor and eliminate infected cells with intracellular pathogens, neoplastically transformed cells, and cells with non-self antigens. Cytotoxic T cells and NK...
TGF - β Signaling Pathway01:16

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The TGF-β signaling pathway regulates cell growth, differentiation, adhesion, motility, and development. TGF-β ligands that induce TGF-β signaling are synthesized in their latent form. Several proteases or cell surface receptors such as integrins act upon the latent form, releasing the active ligand. There are three types of mammalian TGF-βs: (TGF-β1, TGF-β2, and TGF-β3) that bind as homodimers or heterodimers to TGF-β receptors. The TGF-β receptors are of three kinds RI, RII, and RIII. The RI...
Protein Translocation Machinery on the ER Membrane01:28

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Sec61 protein conducting channel
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Preparation of Single-Cell Suspension of Mouse Thymic Epithelial Cells and Staining of Intracellular Molecules for Flow Cytometric Analysis
09:41

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Themis, a T cell-specific protein important for late thymocyte development.

Renaud Lesourne1, Shoji Uehara, Jan Lee

  • 1Laboratory of Mammalian Genes and Development, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.

Nature Immunology
|July 15, 2009
PubMed
Summary

A newly discovered protein, Themis, is essential for T cell development. Themis deficiency impairs thymocyte selection and maturation, highlighting its role in T cell receptor signaling during lineage commitment.

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Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • T cell development involves positive selection, where T cell receptor (TCR) signaling dictates CD4 or CD8 lineage commitment.
  • This critical stage requires precise regulation of signaling pathways for proper thymocyte maturation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and characterize novel proteins involved in T cell development.
  • To elucidate the function of a newly discovered T cell-specific protein, Themis, during thymocyte selection and lineage commitment.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of Themis knockout (Themis(-/-)) mice.
  • Flow cytometry to assess thymocyte populations (transitional CD4(+)CD8(int), CD4(+) single-positive, CD8(+) single-positive).
  • Evaluation of T cell receptor (TCR) signaling pathways in thymocytes.

Main Results:

  • Themis(-/-) mice exhibited impaired thymocyte selection, with reduced numbers of transitional CD4(+)CD8(int), CD4(+), and CD8(+) thymocytes.
  • While TCR-proximal signaling appeared intact, Themis(-/-) CD4(+)CD8(int) thymocytes displayed developmental defects indicative of attenuated signaling.
  • These developmental defects were reversible upon TCR stimulation, suggesting Themis's role in sustaining or integrating TCR signals.

Conclusions:

  • Themis is a critical T cell-specific protein essential for normal thymocyte development and selection.
  • Themis plays a crucial role in sustaining and/or integrating TCR signals required for proper T cell lineage commitment and maturation.
  • Themis represents a novel target for understanding and potentially modulating T cell development.