Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 13, 2026

Isolation of Myeloid Dendritic Cells and Epithelial Cells from Human Thymus
Published on: September 20, 2013
Thymoma epithelial cells secrete thymic hormone but do not express class II antigens of the major histocompatibility
Abstract:
17 thymomas were studied by indirect immunofluorescence for the presence of thymic hormones and antigens of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). The thymoma epithelial cells (specifically identified by their keratin content) contained thymic hormones (thymulin and thymosin alpha 1), a finding corroborated by the observation of elevated thymulin serum levels. In contrast with normal or hyperplastic thymuses, thymoma epithelial cells did not express HLA-DR and HLA-DC antigens as assessed by immunofluorescence as well as immunoblot analyses. Conversely, MHC class I antigens (HLA-ABC) were normally expressed. Thus, we conclude that thymoma epithelial cells are endocrinologically active but are defective for the expression of some MHC products (class II molecules) known to play an essential role in intrathymic T cell differentiation.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Classification of Epithelial Tissues: Glandular Epithelium
Multicellular glands are formed during early development when epithelial budding...
The Thyroid Gland
The follicles have a central cavity lined by simple cuboidal to squamous epithelial cells called follicular cells. These cells produce the glycoprotein...
Primary Lymphoid Organs
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...
Antigens Involved in Adaptive Immunity
Complete Antigens
Complete antigens possess both immunogenicity and reactivity.
T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
T Cell Types and Functions
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...

