Thymic epithelial cell responses to the friedelin triterpene .

Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) dysfunction can lead to disorders in the adaptive immune response, resulting in immunodeficiency or autoimmune diseases. Therefore, the investigation of new drugs with immunomodulatory capacity can contribute to the development of strategies to improve thymic functions. In this context, this study aimed to investigate the effects of the pentacyclic triterpene friedelin (FD) on TEC biology.

Exploring the interplay between cannabinoids and thymic functions.

Cannabinoids, derived from the Cannabis sativa plant, have garnered increasing attention for their potential therapeutic applications in various diseases. The pharmacologically active compounds in Cannabis, such as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol, exhibit diverse immunomodulatory properties. Although studies have explored the effects of cannabinoids on immune function, their specific interactions with the thymus, a primary immune organ critical for T-cell development and maturation, remain an intriguing area of investigation.

Intrathymic somatotropic circuitry: consequences upon thymus involution.

Growth hormone (GH) is a classic pituitary-derived hormone crucial to body growth and metabolism. In the pituitary gland, GH production is stimulated by GH-releasing hormone and inhibited by somatostatin. GH secretion can also be induced by other peptides, such as ghrelin, which interacts with receptors present in somatotropic cells.

IGF-1 increases survival of CD4 lineage in a 2D model of thymocyte/thymic stromal cell co-culture.

Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), in addition to its classic effects on cell proliferation and organism growth, has pleiotropic actions on the immune system, particularly on the thymus. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of IGF-1 on molecules involved in the survival of thymocytes in vitro using a co-culture system with thymic stromal cells obtained from C57BL/6 mice. The obtained thymic stroma has contained thymic epithelial cells, macrophages, dendritic cells, fibroblasts, and preserved the expression of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules.

Thymic Extracellular Matrix in the Thymopoiesis: Just a Supporting?

The generation of T lymphocytes (thymopoiesis) is one of the major functions of the thymus that occurs throughout life. Thymic epithelial cells actively participate in this process. However, less attention has been paid to extracellular matrix (ECM) elements of thymus and their role in thymocyte differentiation.

CXCL12-driven thymocyte migration is increased by thymic epithelial cells treated with prolactin .

The prolactin hormone (PRL), in addition to its known effects on breast development and lactation, exerts effects on the immune system, including pleiotropic effects on the thymus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of PRL on the epithelial compartment of the thymus. Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) (2BH4 cells) and fresh thymocytes were used.

Interactions between thymic endothelial cells and thymocytes are influenced by growth hormone.

Growth hormone (GH), in addition to its classic actions on growth and metabolism in the body, exerts pleiotropic effects on the immune system, particularly on the thymus. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of GH on the interactions between mature thymocytes and the thymic endothelium involved in the migratory process. To this end, fresh thymocytes (C57BL/6 mice) and the thymic endothelial cell line (tEnd.

The Responsiveness of Thymic Stromal Cells to semaphorin-3A.

Background: The thymus is responsible for thymocyte differentiation into immunocompetent T lymphocytes. Different cell types in the thymic microenvironment actively cooperate in this process, interacting with the developing thymocytes through soluble factors, extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules, and receptors. In addition, this microenvironment can be influenced by several factors, such as semaphorin-3A (Sema3A), which is a multifunctional protein involved in cell migration.

Potential impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the thymus.

Understanding the pathogenesis of certain viral agents is essential for developing new treatments and obtaining a clinical cure. With the onset of the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic in the beginning of 2020, a rush to conduct studies and develop drugs has led to the publication of articles that seek to address knowledge gaps and contribute to the global scientific research community. There are still no reports on the infectivity or repercussions of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the central lymphoid organ, the thymus, nor on thymocytes or thymic epithelial cells.

Metallic nanoparticles reduce the migration of human fibroblasts in vitro.

Nanoparticles have extremely wide applications in the medical and biological fields. They are being used in biosensors, local drug delivery, diagnostics, and medical therapy. However, the potential effects of nanoparticles on target cell and tissue function, apart from cytotoxicity, are not completely understood.

Growth hormone in the presence of laminin modulates interaction of human thymic epithelial cells and thymocytes in vitro.

Background: Several evidences indicate that hormones and neuropeptides function as immunomodulators. Among these, growth hormone (GH) is known to act on the thymic microenvironment, supporting its role in thymocyte differentiation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of GH on human thymocytes and thymic epithelial cells (TEC) in the presence of laminin.

Uvaol attenuates pleuritis and eosinophilic inflammation in ovalbumin-induced allergy in mice.

Uvaol, a triterpene present in olives and virgin olive oil, has been shown to possess anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidant effects. However, until now, no studies have demonstrated its potential effects on allergic inflammation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of uvaol in a mouse model of allergy characterized by eosinophil-dominant inflammation in actively sensitized mice.

Combined effect of insulin-like growth factor-1 and CC chemokine ligand 2 on angiogenic events in endothelial cells.

Therapeutic angiogenesis may be applied in medical conditions to promote stimulation of angiogenesis. Angiogenesis is a multistep process, which includes endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation, which is mediated by various angiogenic polypeptides. Thus, studies that elucidate the cellular mechanisms involved in these processes are necessary to develop novel therapeutic strategies.