Author Spotlight: Advancing Thymic Epithelial Cells and T-Cell Research with Human Thymic Organoids

We are trying to study the mechanisms responsible for self-tolerance, autoimmunity, especially the role played by air in the expression of self-antigens presented by thymic epithelial cells to developing thymocytes. Our research has applications for cell therapy in the context of autoimmune diseases, organ transplants, and cancer. Our system produces thymic organoids, which are formed and seeded in a way that reproduces crucial biological and mechanical cues, which are essential for the maintenance and maturation of thymic epithelial cells.

The mTECs, which in turn are essential to support thymopoiesis, can be maintained for up to six weeks in the system. Our findings contribute to developing better techniques for in vitro cell lymphocyte production with many potential applications for research and cell therapy. As our research progresses, we have to contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying self-tolerance and autoimmunity.

We are currently focusing on characterizing our organoids further in terms of cellular composition and organization. And our goal is to explore the role played by the engine in regulating self-antigen expression in the thymus, and to establish a study model for the autoimmune disease episode.