AI Article Synopsis
- T cells are vital for the immune system, helping to develop specific responses to infections and maintaining memory of past pathogens, with their generation occurring in the thymus.
- The review examines the complex structures and functions within the thymus to identify key targets for enhancing thymic function through regenerative techniques.
- It categorizes regenerative engineering approaches into three areas: creating 3-D thymic structures, modifying cells, and using biomaterials to present important biomolecules, while highlighting current challenges and potential clinical applications for each method.
Article Abstract
T cells play a central role in immune-homeostasis; specifically in the induction of antigen-specific adaptive immunity against pathogens and mutated self with immunological memory. The thymus is the unique organ where T cells are generated. In this review, first the complex structures and functions of various thymic microcompartments are briefly discussed to identify critical engineering targets for regeneration of thymic functions in vitro and in vivo. Then the biomimetic regenerative engineering approaches are reviewed in three categories: 1) reconstruction of 3-D thymic architecture, 2) cellular engineering, and 3) biomaterials-based artificial presentation of critical biomolecules. For each engineering approach, remaining challenges and clinical opportunities are also identified and discussed.
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Source |
|---|---|
| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4926289 | PMC |
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s40824-016-0067-1 | DOI Listing |
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