关键词: 胸腺, 胸腺上皮细胞, 胸腺细胞, 发育

Abstract: Thymus provides the complex microenvironment which is crucially required for T-cell development and establishing the immune self-tolerance of T cells. Thymic epithelial cells (TECs),which are composed of cortical and medullary TECs and arise from the third pharyngeal pouch,play an important role for this tightly regulated process of T cell development and maturation. Studies on the formation of a 3-dimensional thymic construction, migration of thymocytes and their precursors,and molecular events involving in thymus organogenesis will contribute better understanding the process of thymus development and offer important insights for preventing /treating thymusrelevant immune disorders.

Key words: Thymus, Thymic epithelial cells