IMMUNOLOGY2026™ Conference Recordings For Attendees-Double positive (DP) developing thymocytes regulate the development of neuronal cell bodies within the thymus

Double positive (DP) developing thymocytes regulate the development of neuronal cell bodies within the thymus

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The talk described a discovery of neuronal cell bodies in the thymus, a finding that expands neuroimmunology beyond brain-to-immune signaling. The speaker’s lab showed that several brain insults, including infection, seizures, and tumors, cause thymic shrinkage and loss of thymic function. Using flow cytometry, imaging, and rabies neurotracing, they identified NuN-positive cells in the thymus that resemble true neurons, are distinct from thymic epithelial cells, and appear to be sympathetic in origin.  <br /><br />The key question became what regulates these thymic neurons. Their numbers were normal in aging but were lost in RAG and TCR beta knockout mice, suggesting that early T-cell development is required. Bone marrow transplant restored the neurons. Bioinformatic and protein analyses pointed to IL-34, made mainly by double-positive thymocytes, as a critical factor. IL-34 knockout mice had fewer thymic neurons.  <br /><br />Overall, the talk proposed a novel thymus–neuron–T cell circuit regulated by IL-34.

Meta Tag

Date April 18, 2026 1:30 PM - 1:45 PM

Room 253

Session Peripheral & Central Neuroimmune Interactions

Speaker Katayoun Ayasoufi

Track Neuroimmunology (NEUR)

Year 2026

Keywords

thymus neurons

neuroimmunology

IL-34

thymic shrinkage

T-cell development

April 18, 2026 1:30 PM - 1:45 PM

253

Peripheral & Central Neuroimmune Interactions

Katayoun Ayasoufi

Neuroimmunology (NEUR)

2026