Science Immunology: New findings on thymus regeneration after damage

A new paper in Science Immunology identified a molecule called BMP4 that plays a key role in the thymus’ extraordinary natural ability to recover from damage. Collaborating with scientists from the Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital in New York City and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle revealed how BMP4 and thymic endothelial cells enable thymus repair.

Thymic endothelial cells proved critical for thymic regeneration via their production of bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4). Upon thymus damage, thymic endothelial cells increased their production of BMP4. Endothelial cell-derived BMP4 fostered development, maintenance, and regeneration of thymic epithelial cells. BMP4’s importance on endogenous tissue regeneration offers a potential clinical approach to enhance T cell immunity. Novel treatment regimens based on these findings may promote immune competence in patients undergoing chemo- and radiation therapy.

 

Read more: 

The Scientist: Researchers Develop a Technique to Regenerate the Mouse Thymus

Medical Press: How the immune system’s key organ regenerates itself

Reference: 

Wertheimer T, Velardi E, Tsai J, Cooper K, Xiao S, Kloss CC, Ottmüller KJ, Mokhtari Z, Brede C, deRoos P, Kinsella S, Palikuqi B, Ginsberg M, Young LF, Kreines F, Lieberman SR, Lazrak A, Guo P, Malard F, Smith OM, Shono Y, Jenq RR, Hanash AM, Nolan DJ, Butler JM, Beilhack A, Manley NR, Rafii S, Dudakov JA, van den Brink MRM. (2018). Production of BMP4 by endothelial cells is crucial for endogenous thymic regeneration. Sci Immunol 3:19.