The Antigenic Determinant That Defines Thymic Nurse Cells Is Expressed by Thymic Epithelial Progenitor Cells.

Stromal thymic epithelial cells with the multicellular structure unique to thymic nurse cells (TNCs) express the pH91 antigen on their cell surfaces. The multicellular TNC-complexes develop through an intimate association between αβTCRCD4CD8 thymocytes and pH91-expressing cortical epithelial cells. TNCs participate in MHC-restriction and exhibit epithelial cell progenitor characteristics.

Thymic nurse cells exhibit epithelial progenitor phenotype and create unique extra-cytoplasmic membrane space for thymocyte selection.

Thymic nurse cells (TNCs) are epithelial cells in the thymic cortex that contain as many as 50 thymocytes within specialized cytoplasmic vacuoles. The function of this cell-in-cell interaction has created controversy since their discovery in 1980. Further, some skepticism exists about the idea that apoptotic thymocytes within the TNC complex result from negative selection, a process believed to occur exclusively within the medulla.

Thymic nurse cell multicellular complexes in HY-TCR transgenic mice demonstrate their association with MHC restriction.

This study examines thymic nurse cell (TNC) function during T-cell development. It has been suggested that TNCs function in the removal of nonfunctional and/or apoptotic thymocytes and do not participate in major histocompatibility complex restriction. We analyzed TNCs isolated from both normal C57BL/6 mice and C57BL/6 TgN (TCRHY) mice (HY-TCR transgenic mice).

The identification of thymic nurse cells in vivo and the role of cytoskeletal proteins in thymocyte internalization.

Much debate has been generated about the existence of thymic nurse cells within the thymus. Until now, the authenticity of an epithelial cell capable of internalizing developing thymocytes within the thymic cortex has been in question. Here, we use the thymic nurse cell-specific monoclonal antibody, ph91, to define the in vivo location of thymic nurse cells.

Impaired mitochondrial function protects against free radical-mediated cell death.

Free radical damage can have fatal consequences. Mitochondria carry out essential cellular functions and produce high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Many agents also generate ROS.