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Related Concept Videos

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.
The red bone marrow is a soft, spongy tissue nestled in the interior of long bones such as the humerus and femur. It is the site...
Development of the Lymphatic System01:15

Development of the Lymphatic System

The development of lymphatic tissues and vessels in embryonic life begins around the fifth week. These structures originate from the mesoderm layer, with lymph sacs emerging from developing veins.
The first lymph sacs to form are the paired jugular lymph sacs located at the junction of the internal jugular and subclavian veins. From these sacs, lymphatic capillary plexuses extend to the thorax, upper limbs, neck, and head, eventually forming lymphatic vessels. Each jugular lymph sac maintains a...
Development of Immunocompetence01:22

Development of Immunocompetence

The initiation of cell-mediated immunity can be observed as early as the third month of fetal growth, with active antibody-mediated immunity following approximately one month later.
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
Cells of the Adaptive Immune Response01:23

Cells of the Adaptive Immune Response

The T and B lymphocytes of the adaptive immune system develop from common lymphoid progenitor cells in the bone marrow. These progenitors give rise to precursors that eventually develop into both T and B lymphocytes. As these precursors mature, they gain the ability to detect and respond to foreign antigens in the body, a process known as immunocompetence. Additionally, these precursors acquire self-tolerance, a process that ensures they do not react to self-antigens. This intricate system...
Secondary Lymphoid Organs01:15

Secondary Lymphoid Organs

Secondary organs, including lymph nodes, the spleen, and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT), work harmoniously to protect us from disease and infection.
The spleen is a vital organ in the lymphatic system, nestled in the upper left side of the abdomen. It is composed of two primary regions: the red pulp and the white pulp, each having distinct functions. The red pulp performs a significant role in blood filtration. It efficiently purges the blood of old or damaged red blood cells and...
Development of the Sexual Organs in the Embryo and Fetus01:15

Development of the Sexual Organs in the Embryo and Fetus

Development of the reproductive organs in an embryo starts from a bipotential state. This means the early embryo can develop either male or female reproductive organs. The formation of these organs begins with the growth of gonadal ridges that arise from the intermediate mesoderm during the fifth week of development.
Near the gonadal ridges, two duct systems are present: the mesonephric ducts (Wolffian ducts) and paramesonephric ducts (Müllerian ducts). These ducts form the basis for the male...

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Formation of Human Thymus Organoids in Three-Dimensional Fibrin Hydrogels
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Published on: October 4, 2024

Evolution of thymus organogenesis.

Qing Ge1, Yong Zhao

  • 1Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Ministry of Health, Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, 38 Xue Yuan Road, Beijing 100191, PR China. qingge@bjmu.edu.cn

Developmental and Comparative Immunology
|January 24, 2012
PubMed
Summary

A primitive thymus in lampreys suggests T cell and thymus co-evolution in vertebrates. This finding aids understanding thymus development and potential medical interventions for thymus dysfunction.

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Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Developmental Biology

Background:

  • The thymus is crucial for T lymphocyte development in jawed vertebrates.
  • Lampreys represent an ancient lineage of jawless vertebrates.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the evolution of the thymus across vertebrates.
  • To explore the implications of thymus presence in jawless fish.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing data on thymus evolution.
  • Analysis of studies on thymus organogenesis in mammals and lower species.

Main Results:

  • Evidence suggests a primitive thymus exists in lampreys, indicating early thymus evolution.
  • This points to the co-evolution of T cells and the thymus.

Conclusions:

  • The thymus is an ancient organ with a long evolutionary history.
  • Understanding thymus evolution may lead to new therapeutic strategies for thymus disorders.