The thymus in pregnancy: the interplay of neural, endocrine and immune influences

A B220+ CD117+ CD19± hematopoietic progenitor with potent lymphoid and myeloid developmental potential

“…EPLM would seem to closely resemble the estrogen-sensitive CD19 -B220 + CD117 low , so-called pro-lymphocyte (pro-L) described by Kincade [22]. In this regard, we have noted a dramatic perturbation of both CD19 -B220 + CD117 low EPLM and subpopulations of DN thymocytes in late pregnancy (not shown), a time when thymic involution is dramatic [23], suggesting that hormone sensitivity is a property shared by EPLM and progenitor thymocytes.…”

Surface antigen expression in spleen cells of C57Bl/6 mice during ageing: influence of sex and parity

“…Consequently, the memory/naive ratio was lower. Pregnancy profoundly depresses the maternal immune system [15,16] through thymus atrophy [38], and is followed by a rebound effect in T cell differentiation which leads to higher recruitment of precursor cells [39,40]. This might accelerate the frequency of emigration of naive CD4 þ cells.…”

“…Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus predominate in females, and are associated with higher autoantibody levels [14]. During pregnancy, higher sex hormone levels influence the maternal immune reactivity and profound changes affect T and B lymphopoiesis as involution of the thymus, increase of suppressive cells and decrease in the number of B lineage cells, as recently reviewed [15,16].…”

The Thymus: A Forgotten, But Very Important Organ

“…Their research supports the possibility that an ex vivo thymus can be produced [33]. However, for any clinical relevance, it is essential to isolate thymic epithelial cell precursors from a human thymus.…”