The human thymus perivascular space is a functional niche for viral-specific plasma cells.

ABSTRACT: The human thymus is susceptible to viral infections that can severely alter thymopoiesis and compromise the mechanisms of acquired tolerance to self-antigens. In humans, plasma cells residing primarily in the bone marrow confer long-lasting protection to common viruses by secreting antigen-specific antibodies. Since the thymus also houses B cells, we examined the phenotypic complexity of these thymic resident cells and their possible protective role against viral infections. Using tissue specimens collected from subjects ranging in age from 5 days to 71 years, we found that starting during the first year of life, CD138⁺ plasma cells (PC) begin accumulating in the thymic perivascular space (PVS) where they constitutively produce IgG without the need for additional stimulation. Th

SUBMITTER: Nunez S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5407379 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature