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Updated: May 31, 2026
08:21
Real Time In Vivo Tracking of Thymocytes in the Anterior Chamber of the Eye by Laser Scanning Microscopy
Published on: October 2, 2018
Signal integration and crosstalk during thymocyte migration and emigration
Paul E Love1, Avinash Bhandoola
1Eunice Kennedy Schriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. lovep@mail.nih.gov
Nature Reviews. Immunology
|June 25, 2011
Summary
The thymus generates mature T cells from progenitor cells. This review details signalling pathways, focusing on T cell receptor (TCR) and chemokine receptor interactions, that guide cell movement within the thymus.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The thymus is crucial for producing self-tolerant T cells.
- Immune cell development relies on precise progenitor cell trafficking.
- Understanding these signals is key to immune system function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review advances in understanding signals governing T cell progenitor trafficking in the thymus.
- To highlight the interplay between T cell receptor (TCR) and chemokine receptor signaling.
Main Methods:
- This review synthesizes current research on thymic cell trafficking.
- Focuses on molecular signaling pathways.
- Integrates findings on T cell receptor (TCR) and chemokine receptor interactions.
Main Results:
- Significant progress has been made in elucidating signals for progenitor cell movement within the thymus.
- Reciprocal interactions between TCR and chemokine receptor signaling are critical.
- These interactions regulate T cell fate and maturation.
Conclusions:
- T cell development is orchestrated by complex signaling networks within the thymus.
- Cooperative and regulatory interactions between TCR and chemokine receptors are essential for functional T cell production.
- Further research into these pathways can inform immune therapies.
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