title: The thymus: maestro of the immune system.
abstract: The thymus has been an enigmatic organ for centuries. Its true function was revealed only in 1961 when it was shown to be responsible for the proper development of the immune system. This finding has revolutionized the science of immunology and has led to a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in resistance to infections and of the pathogenesis of autoimmune and immunodeficiency diseases.
authors.affiliation: Thymus Biology Unit, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Miller
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D001315:Australia; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D007942:Leukemia, Experimental / Q000209:etiology / Q000266:history; D051379:Mice; D013934:Thymectomy / Q000266:history; D013950:Thymus Gland / Q000276:immunology*