Inborn errors of thymic stromal cell development and function

Abstract

As the primary site for T cell development, the thymus is responsible for the production and selection of a functional, yet self-tolerant T cell repertoire. This critically depends on thymic stromal cells, derived from the pharyngeal apparatus during embryogenesis. Thymic epithelial cells, mesenchymal and vascular elements together form the unique and highly specialised microenvironment required to support all aspects of thymopoiesis and T cell central tolerance induction. Although rare, inborn errors of thymic stromal cells constitute a clinically important group of conditions because their immunological consequences, which include autoimmune disease and T cell immunodeficiency, can be life-threatening if unrecognised and untreated. In this review, we describe the molecular and environmental aetiologies of the thymic stromal cell defects known to cause disease in humans, placing particular emphasis on those with a propensity to cause thymic hypoplasia or aplasia and consequently severe congenital immunodeficiency. We discuss the principles underpinning their diagnosis and management, including the use of novel tools to aid in their identification and strategies for curative treatment, principally transplantation of allogeneic thymus tissue.

Keywords: DiGeorge syndrome; FOXN1; Immunodeficiency; Thymic stromal cells; Thymus; Thymus transplantation.

Fig. 1

The known inborn errors of thymic stromal cells and their relative effects on 3rd pharyngeal pouch patterning, thymic organogenesis, thymic epithelial cell development and function. PP = pharyngeal pouch; PTH = parathyroids; RA = retinoic acid; TEC = thymic epithelial cell