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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

The thymic orchestration involving Aire, miRNAs, and cell-cell interactions during the induction of central tolerance

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Author(s):
Passos, Geraldo Aleixo [1, 2, 3] ; Mendes-da-Cruz, Danielle Areas [4] ; Oliveira, Ernna Herida [1]
Total Authors: 3
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto Med Sch, Dept Genet, Mol Immunogenet Grp, BR-14049900 Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Dent Ribeirao Preto, Dept Morphol Physiol & Basic Pathol, Discipline Genet, BR-14049900 Sao Paulo - Brazil
[3] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Dent Ribeirao Preto, Dept Morphol Physiol & Basic Pathol, Discipline Mol Biol, BR-14049900 Sao Paulo - Brazil
[4] Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz, Inst Oswaldo Cruz, Lab Thymus Res, Rio De Janeiro - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 4
Document type: Review article
Source: FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY; v. 6, JUL 14 2015.
Web of Science Citations: 13
Abstract

Developing thymocytes interact sequentially with two distinct structures within the thymus: the cortex and medulla. Surviving single-positive and double-positive thymocytes from the cortex migrate into the medulla, where they interact with medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs). These cells ectopically express a vast set of peripheral tissue antigens (PTAs), a property termed promiscuous gene expression that is associated with the presentation of PTAs by mTECs to thymocytes. Thymocyte clones that have a high affinity for PTAs are eliminated by apoptosis in a process termed negative selection, which is essential for tolerance induction. The Aire gene is an important factor that controls the expression of a large set of PTAs. In addition to PTAs, Aire also controls the expression of miRNAs in mTECs. These miRNAs are important in the organization of the thymic architecture and act as posttranscriptional controllers of PTAs. Herein, we discuss recent discoveries and highlight open questions regarding the migration and interaction of developing thymocytes with thymic stroma, the ectopic expression of PTAs by mTECs, the association between Aire and miRNAs and its effects on central tolerance. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 13/08216-2 - CRID - Center for research in inflammatory diseases.
Grantee:Fernando de Queiroz Cunha
Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers - RIDC
FAPESP's process: 13/17481-1 - The function of the AIRE gene and of Micro RNAs in the control of adhesion between medullary thymic epithelial cells with thymocytes
Grantee:Geraldo Aleixo da Silva Passos Júnior
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants