Abstract
A number of in vitro systems are currently being used to study both thymocyte development and thymic stromal cell function. However, the usefulness of dispersed culture systems is limited since they often involve disruption of interactions within the normal three-dimensional architecture of the thymus in vivo which are cirtical for normal development to proceed. In contract, Fetal Thymus Organ Culture (FTOC) provides an experimental system where such interactions are maintained, thereby allowing in vitro access to key aspects of thymocyte development. More recently, Reaggregate Thymus Organ Cultures (RTOCs) have allowed detailed analysis of thymic stromal cell function, while retroviral transfection of thymocyte subsets under FTOC conditions provides a rapid means to investigate thymocyte development at the molecular level. Current use of the FTOC approach is summarised here, and where appropriate is compared to the use of dispersed culture systems.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 3-12 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Seminars in Immunology |
Volume | 11 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Jan 1999 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:This work was supported by a Wellcome Trust Project Grant to GA and an MRC (UK) Programme Grant to EJJ and JJTO. KJH is the recipient of an MRC (UK) Studentship.
Keywords
- Organ culture
- Stromal cell
- Thymocyte
- Thymus
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Immunology and Allergy
- Immunology