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Thymic function and peripheral T-cell homeostasis in rheumatoid arthritis TRENDS IN IMMUNOLOGY Goronzy, J. J., Weyand, C. M. 2001; 22 (5): 251-255

Abstract

T-cell diversity is generated through the production of new thymic emigrants. Thymic function declines with age, and the T-cell pool is maintained through homeostatic proliferation of naive peripheral T cells. This article discusses the impact of thymic output and peripheral T-cell homeostasis on the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It is proposed that thymic output is prematurely compromised in RA patients. A compensatory expansion of peripheral T cells results in a contracted and distorted repertoire, possibly favoring T cells with autoreactive potential. Increased risk of autoimmunity, as a consequence of abnormal T-cell population dynamics, could be a common mechanism in chronic inflammatory diseases.

View details for Web of Science ID 000169936400011

View details for PubMedID 11323282