Epithelial reticular cell
Encyclopedia
Epithelial reticular cells (or epithelioreticular cells) are a structure in both the cortex
and medulla of the thymus
. However, histologically, they are more easily identified in the medulla. These cells contain secretory granules which are thought to contain the thymic hormones.
There are six different types: Types 1-3 are in the cortex, and types 4-6 are in the medulla.
Epithelial reticular cells are the primary cell involved with making sure that no T cells are allowed to survive that will attack the body's own cells. It does this by expressing a very large proportion of its genome, and expressing as many 'self' proteins on its cell membrane as possible. As the T cells migrate from the cortex of the thymus to the medulla, they come into contact with many epithelial reticular cells, and if they recognise self proteins as a pathogen, then the epithelial cells destroy them.
Cortex (anatomy)
In anatomy and zoology the cortex is the outermost layer of an organ. Organs with well-defined cortical layers include kidneys, adrenal glands, ovaries, the thymus, and portions of the brain, including the cerebral cortex, the most well-known of all cortices.The cerebellar cortex is the thin gray...
and medulla of the thymus
Thymus
The thymus is a specialized organ of the immune system. The thymus produces and "educates" T-lymphocytes , which are critical cells of the adaptive immune system....
. However, histologically, they are more easily identified in the medulla. These cells contain secretory granules which are thought to contain the thymic hormones.
There are six different types: Types 1-3 are in the cortex, and types 4-6 are in the medulla.
Epithelial reticular cells are the primary cell involved with making sure that no T cells are allowed to survive that will attack the body's own cells. It does this by expressing a very large proportion of its genome, and expressing as many 'self' proteins on its cell membrane as possible. As the T cells migrate from the cortex of the thymus to the medulla, they come into contact with many epithelial reticular cells, and if they recognise self proteins as a pathogen, then the epithelial cells destroy them.
External links
- Description at umdnj.edu - "Thymus"