The thymic microenvironment: localization of a biologically active insoluble fraction.
An insoluble component of the thymus, previously shown to be capable of enhancing stem cell immigration into that organ, has been localized by immunofluorescence in perivascular basement membranes of the thymic medulla. It was found to be antigenically distinct from soluble thymic factor and from thymocyte membranes, and is thought to be responsible, in T-cell maturation, for the differentiation step preceding that imparted by thymic hormone.
D000818:Animals; D000941:Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D001485:Basement Membrane / Q000276:immunology; D000939:Epitopes; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D051379:Mice; D012995:Solubility; D013950:Thymus Gland / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology*
D000941:Antigens; D000939:Epitopes