Single-cell transcriptional profiling of thymic dendritic cells (DCs) from mice in which distinct stages of T cell development were blocked shows that thymocyte subsets support DC homeostasis and activation. CD8 single-positive thymocytes indirectly promote interferon responses in DCs, whereas CD4 single-positive thymocytes engage in cognate interactions with cDC1s, driving CD40 signaling and activation required for central tolerance.
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References
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This is a summary of: Srinivasan, J. et al. The differentiation and function of heterogeneous thymic dendritic cell subsets require signals provided by distinct thymocyte cell types. Nat. Immunol. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41590-025-02371-9 (2026).
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Thymocyte subsets regulate activation of different dendritic cell subsets via unique signals. Nat Immunol 27, 187–188 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41590-025-02374-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41590-025-02374-6
