Genetic regulation of thymocyte progenitor aging

The number of T cell progenitors is significantly reduced in the involuted thymus, and the growth and developmental potential of the few cells that are present is severely attenuated. This review provides an overview of how aging affects T cell precursors before and following entry into the thymus and discusses the age-related genetic changes that may occur in them. Finally, interventions that rejuvenate thymopoiesis in the elderly by targeting T cell progenitors are discussed.

► Thymic involution is a multifactorial process.
► The proliferative potential of T cell progenitors declines with age.
► Genes encoded by the Cdkn2a locus may be involved in T cell progenitor aging.
► Pharmacological rejuvenation of the thymus may be possible.