Thymic epithelial cell

Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) are specialized cells with a high degree of anatomic, phenotypic and functional heterogeneity that are located in the outer layer (epithelium) of the thymic stroma. The thymus, as a primary lymphoid organ, mediates T cell development and maturation. The thymic microenvironment is established by the TEC network filled with thymocytes (blood cell precursors of T cells) in different developing stages. TECs and thymocytes are the most important components in the thymus, necessary for production of functionally competent T lymphocytes and self tolerance. Dysfunction of TECs causes several immunodeficiencies and autoimmune diseases.

They are also called epithelial reticular cells, or epithelioreticular cells (ERC).

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