title: [Evaluation of thymopoiesis: clinical applications].
abstract: In the precedent article, we have described how T-cell generation in the thymus (thymopoiesis) may be currently evaluated through quantification by PCR of T-cell receptor excision circles (TREC) generated by intrathymic random recombination of the gene segments coding for variable parts of T-cell receptor for antigen (TCR). In hematology, TREC methodology helps in a better understanding of immune reconstitution after graft of hematopoietic stem cells: first there is a proliferation of mature T cells present in the graft, then a differentiation of naive T cells. In geriatrics, the homeostasis of the peripheral T-cell repertoire is maintained through proliferation of peripheral memory T cells rather than through thymic generation of naive T cells. In addition, TREC quantification constitutes a novel major tool for deciphering the tight control of thymopoiesis by the neuroendocrine system.
authors.affiliation: CHU Sart Tilman, Liège, Belgique.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Castermans
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Morrhaye
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Marchand
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Martens
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Moutschen
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Geenen
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Beguin
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Baron
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000276:immunology; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000276:immunology; D002648:Child; D015329:Gene Rearrangement, T-Lymphocyte / Q000235:genetics; D006086:Graft vs Host Disease / Q000276:immunology; D018380:Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; D006706:Homeostasis / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007156:Immunologic Memory / Q000276:immunology; D038041:Lymphopoiesis / Q000276:immunology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009490:Neurosecretory Systems / Q000276:immunology; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / Q000235:genetics; D011995:Recombination, Genetic / Q000235:genetics; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D013950:Thymus Gland / Q000276:immunology*; D014181:Transplantation Immunology / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell