Thymus involution
Nature Immunology
December 19, 2011
The microRNA network, and specifically the microRNA miR-29a, is critical for protecting the thymus against inappropriate atrophy during infections, according to a report published in Nature Immunology. The thymus, the dedicated organ for T cell development, undergoes gradual and progressive atrophy with age, as well as periodical and reversible atrophy driven by pathogen infections. This process is known as thymic involution. Age-driven involution is mediated by the sensitivity of the thymic epithelial cells to sex hormones, while infection-induced involution is controlled by the sensitivity of these cells to interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha), a molecular mediator of the immune response. Adrian Liston and colleagues show that microRNAs, which are small, non-coding RNAs that modulate protein production, reduce the sensitivity of the thymic epithelium to IFN-alpha signals and are critical for protecting the thymus against infection-induced involution.
doi:10.1038/ni.2193
Research highlights
-
Dec 13
Biology: Genetic ‘clock’ predicts lifespan in vertebratesScientific Reports
-
Dec 11
Fossils: Dining on dinosaur feathersNature Communications
-
Dec 11
Materials: Molluscs inspire flexible armourNature Communications
-
Dec 10
Biotechnology: Material with DNA memory remembers bunny blueprintNature Biotechnology
-
Dec 10
Society: Measuring perceptions of “reverse racism” in the United StatesNature Human Behaviour
-
Dec 6
Ecology: Wildfire may benefit forest batsScientific Reports
