The Thymic Repertoire of Neuroendocrine Self-Antigens: Physiological Implications in T-Cell Life and Death

in Immunology Today (1996), 17(7), 312-7

During phylogeny aud ontogeny, the thymus appears as a crucial meeting point between the neuroendocrine aud immune systems. Through cryptocrine intercellular communication, thymic neuroendocrine-related ... [more ▼]

During phylogeny aud ontogeny, the thymus appears as a crucial meeting point between the neuroendocrine aud immune systems. Through cryptocrine intercellular communication, thymic neuroendocrine-related precursors can influence the early steps of the immune response, while T-cell precursors are educated to recognize the principal neuroendocrine families. Here, we summarize the observations that support the dual role of the thymic repertoire of neuroendocrine-related polypeptidte precursors in T-cell differentiation. [less ▲]

The multiple ways to cellular immunological tolerance

in Immunology Today (1993), 14

Both central and peripheral mechanisms leading to T-cell tolerance were discussed at a recent meeting in Liege (as part of the First Forum of Young European Researchers, 18-23 July 1993). The mechanisms ... [more ▼]

Both central and peripheral mechanisms leading to T-cell tolerance were discussed at a recent meeting in Liege (as part of the First Forum of Young European Researchers, 18-23 July 1993). The mechanisms that maintain self tolerance, as well as the conditions in which self-reactive T cells launch an autoaggressive attack, were specially emphasized. [less ▲]