Abstract
There is growing evidence that self-molecules with tissue-restricted expression are also expressed at low levels in the thymus, where such expression may affect the development of self-tolerance. Genetic factors may modulate such expression and, in turn, influence susceptibility to autoimmune responses against specific molecules. Contrasting reports exist regarding the phenotype of the cells that express self-molecules in the thymus. Indeed, both bone marrow derived antigen-presenting cells and thymic epithelial cells were reported to express self-molecules with tissue-restricted expression. Further studies of these cells and the mechanisms by which they exert their putative tolerogenic effects clearly are necessary.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 411-430 |
Number of pages | 20 |
Journal | Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics of North America |
Volume | 31 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jul 4 2002 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
- Endocrinology