The Normal Thymus

Abstract

The thymus is a primary lympoid organ. It consists of epi-thelial cells, hematopoietic cells and mesenchymal cells and generates T cells from immature, bone marrow-derived precursors. Through selection processes, the T cells become functional and largely tolerant toward self-anti-gens and are of key importance for adaptive immune responses. Thymic failure, particularly if congenital, pre-disposes to life-threatening infections, neoplasia, and autoimmune diseases [1].