Heterogeneity of thymic output in the elderly and its association with sex and smoking.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUNDThymic involution with age leads to reduced T cell output and impaired adaptive immunity. However, the extent to which thymic activity persists later in life and how this contributes to immunological aging remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the presence and function of thymic tissue in older adults and identify factors influencing residual thymopoiesis.METHODSPatients aged 50 or older undergoing cardiothoracic surgery were recruited. Thymic structures within mediastinal adipose tissue were evaluated using histology, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, T cell receptor (TCR) sequencing, and RNA sequencing. Recent thymic emigrants (RTEs) were quantified in peripheral blood and correlated with transcriptomic, epigenetic, and TCR repertoire data. Primary outcomes included thy

SUBMITTER: Sandhar B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12341542 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature