LTβR controls thymic portal endothelial cells for haematopoietic progenitor cell homing and T-cell regeneration.

ABSTRACT: Continuous thymic homing of haematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) via the blood is critical for normal T-cell development. However, the nature and the differentiation programme of specialized thymic endothelial cells (ECs) controlling this process remain poorly understood. Here using conditional gene-deficient mice, we find that lymphotoxin beta receptor (LTβR) directly controls thymic ECs to guide HPC homing. Interestingly, T-cell deficiency or conditional ablation of T-cell-engaged LTβR signalling results in a defect in thymic HPC homing, suggesting the feedback regulation of thymic progenitor homing by thymic products. Furthermore, we identify and characterize a special thymic portal EC population with features that guide HPC homing. LTβR is essential for the differentiation and homeos

SUBMITTER: Shi Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4980457 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature