Thymus biology

Division Of Basic Sciences - Nci

Investigators

Linked publications, trials & patents

Abstract

Since my laboratory moved from Japan in April 2018, we have opened an experimental research laboratory to study thymus biology. In FY2021, we have revealed that the thymoproteasome expressed by cortical thymic epithelial cells optimizes CD8 T cell production independent of the thymic medulla, independent of additional antigen-presenting cells, and independent of apoptosis-mediated negative selection. We have also contributed to the finding that the chemokine CCL21 has an important role in neonatal thymus emigration via medullary epithelial production and mesenchymal presentation. We have further contributed to the identification that the transcription factor MafB is important for the recovery of the thymus after irradiation and maintenance during ageing.