PubMed · 16039157
Linking signalling pathways, thymic stroma integrity and autoimmunity.
Abstract
Medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) are indispensable for self-tolerance to peripheral organs by virtue of their expression of a host of tissue-restricted self-antigens. The full extent of this promiscuous gene expression is confined to functionally mature mTECs. Consequently, any interference with signalling pathways directing the differentiation and/or proliferation of this mature subset will affect the scope of central tolerance and potentially predispose to autoimmunity. In a recent study, tumour necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) has been identified as an essential component of a new signalling pathway directing mTEC development.
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Jens Derbinski, Bruno Kyewski. 2005. Linking signalling pathways, thymic stroma integrity and autoimmunity.. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.it.2005.07.006
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