Tipping the balance: targeting the thymus for production of immune cells protective against Auto-Immune Disease

Abstract

The thymus is the unique site of production of T-cells, an essential arm of the adaptive immune system which is targeted by vaccinations as a defense against infectious diseases. In generating a potent cohort of pathogen- clearing T-cells, small numbers of cells capable of attacking tissues within the body are also produced. Under normal conditions these are kept in check by “regulatory” cells, however if the balance of “auto-immune” and regulatory cells is altered, it has the potential to trigger auto-immune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes.

Using mouse models, we aim to investigate the potential to manipulate thymic production of anti-inflammatory T-cells to aid treatment of auto-immune disease.