Thymic Epithelial Cells (TEC)

Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) are specialized, non-hematopoietic stromal cells in the thymus that play a central role in T cell development and the establishment of self-tolerance. They form a complex three-dimensional network within the thymus, providing essential signals and presenting antigens to developing thymocytes at various stages. TECs are broadly divided into two main subtypes: cortical thymic epithelial cells (cTECs), which are located in the outer cortex and are essential for positive selection, and medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs), which are found in the inner medulla and are critical for negative selection and central tolerance.

Other names

cTEC (Cortical Thymic Epithelial Cells)mTEC (Medullary Thymic Epithelial Cells)Cortical Thymic Epithelial CellsMedullary Thymic Epithelial Cells