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Updated: Jan 31, 2026

In situ Imaging of the Mouse Thymus Using 2-Photon Microscopy
Published on: January 25, 2008
How the thymus shaped immunology and beyond
1The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, 1G Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.
Abstract:
Barely 60 years ago, the thymus was considered to be a vestigial organ with no known function or just a graveyard for dying lymphocytes. Now, the thymus and its cells cover a vast area of immunology, genetics and epigenetics relating to medicine, including inflammation, infection, vaccination, dysbiosis, immunodeficiency, allergy, autoimmunity, transplantation, tissue repair, pregnancy and cancer. New technology and approaches, now becoming available, will lead to a much deeper understanding of many of these conditions. Hence, the thymus and its cells will be occupying researchers and clinicians for decades to come.
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