Cytoskeleton proteins, the structural basis of T-lymphocyte and TEC restructure during rapid thymus regeneration

Abstract

Thymus regeneration is the main way for humans to combat immune degeneration and immunosenescence. The interesting cycle of thymus degeneration and regeneration achieves the renewal of adaptive immunity, which is crucial for reconstructing cellular immunity. Rapid thymic regeneration is the main renewal mode after various acute stress-induced thymic involutions, such as radiation, immunosuppressants, and starvation. The cytoskeleton is a key regulator of immune response by affecting the structure and function of immune cells. Our team has conducted years of research on rapid thymic regeneration and found that some types of cytoskeletal proteins, such as F-actin/G-actin, the Thymosin β family, ERM (Ezrin/Radixin/Moesin), and WAVE2, play a critical role in the spatial development of thymic epithelial cells (TECs), and finally regulate the regeneration of the thymus by modulating the skeleton of TECs and T lymphocytes. Here, we summarize the current understanding of cytoskeleton proteins and cell restructure of TECs or T lymphocytes and its relationship with the regeneration of the thymus.