| First Author | Akiyama T | Year | 2005 |
| Journal | Science | Volume | 308 |
| Issue | 5719 | Pages | 248-51 |
| PubMed ID | 15705807 | Mgi Jnum | J:97344 |
| Mgi Id | MGI:3575245 | Doi | 10.1126/science.1105677 |
| Citation | Akiyama T, et al. (2005) Dependence of self-tolerance on TRAF6-directed development of thymic stroma. Science 308(5719):248-51 |
| abstractText | The microenvironments of the thymus are generated by thymic epithelial cells (TECs) and are essential for inducing immune self-tolerance or developing T cells. However, the molecular mechanisms that underlie the differentiation of TECs and thymic compartmentalization are not fully understood. Here we show that deficiency in the tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor (TRAF) 6 results in disorganized distribution of medullary TECs (mTECs) and the absence of mature mTECs. Engraftment of thymic stroma of TRAF6(-/-) embryos into athymic nude mice induced autoimmunity. Thus, TRAF6 directs the development of thymic stroma and represents a critical point of regulation for self-tolerance and autoimmunity. |
