Neuro-immune modulation of the thymus microenvironment (Review)

  • Authors:
    • Fiorenzo Mignini
    • Maurizio Sabbatini
    • Laura Mattioli
    • Monica Cosenza
    • Marco Artico
    • Carlo Cavallotti
  • View Affiliations

  • Published online on: March 20, 2014     https://doi.org/10.3892/ijmm.2014.1709
  • Pages: 1392-1400
Metrics: Total Views: 0 (Spandidos Publications: | PMC Statistics: )
Total PDF Downloads: 0 (Spandidos Publications: | PMC Statistics: )


Abstract

The thymus is the primary site for T-cell lympho­poiesis. Its function includes the maturation and selection of antigen specific T cells and selective release of these cells to the periphery. These highly complex processes require precise parenchymal organization and compartmentation where a plethora of signalling pathways occur, performing strict control on the maturation and selection processes of T lymphocytes. In this review, the main morphological characteristics of the thymus microenvironment, with particular emphasis on nerve fibers and neuropeptides were assessed, as both are responsible for neuro-immune‑modulation functions. Among several neurotransmitters that affect thymus function, we highlight the dopaminergic system as only recently has its importance on thymus function and lymphocyte physiology come to light.
View Figures
View References

Related Articles

Journal Cover

June-2014
Volume 33 Issue 6

Print ISSN: 1107-3756
Online ISSN:1791-244X

Sign up for eToc alerts

Recommend to Library

Copy and paste a formatted citation
x
Spandidos Publications style
Mignini F, Sabbatini M, Mattioli L, Cosenza M, Artico M and Cavallotti C: Neuro-immune modulation of the thymus microenvironment (Review). Int J Mol Med 33: 1392-1400, 2014
APA
Mignini, F., Sabbatini, M., Mattioli, L., Cosenza, M., Artico, M., & Cavallotti, C. (2014). Neuro-immune modulation of the thymus microenvironment (Review). International Journal of Molecular Medicine, 33, 1392-1400. https://doi.org/10.3892/ijmm.2014.1709
MLA
Mignini, F., Sabbatini, M., Mattioli, L., Cosenza, M., Artico, M., Cavallotti, C."Neuro-immune modulation of the thymus microenvironment (Review)". International Journal of Molecular Medicine 33.6 (2014): 1392-1400.
Chicago
Mignini, F., Sabbatini, M., Mattioli, L., Cosenza, M., Artico, M., Cavallotti, C."Neuro-immune modulation of the thymus microenvironment (Review)". International Journal of Molecular Medicine 33, no. 6 (2014): 1392-1400. https://doi.org/10.3892/ijmm.2014.1709