Human Thymic Epithelial Cells

Description

Human Thymic Epithelial Cells are isolated from human thymus tissue. They are components of the thymic stroma and can be roughly divided into cortical thymic epithelial cells and medullary thymic epithelial cells. These cells are typically used at low passage to maintain functional integrity. They exhibit typical epithelial morphology and grow in an adherent monolayer. Their functions include secreting a variety of biologically active substances such as thymosin, thymulin and thymopoietin, providing signals for the development of thymocytes. They express epithelial markers such as EpCAM and cytokeratins, and medullary TECs express AIRE, often assessed by immunostaining or qPCR. In addition, they are also involved in the differentiation, maturation and selection of T lymphocytes, which is of great significance to maintaining the normal function of the immune system. Thymic medullary thymic epithelial cells play a crucial role in central tolerance, and thymosin and thymopoietin assist in the maturation of developing T lymphocytes within the thymic microenvironment.