Thymus Research and Development: A New Look to the Past, Current Knowledge, and Future Perspectives

Research on the thymus is one of the most intriguing pages in the history of the development and establishment of immunology as a science. Since the discovery of the thymus in the early 1960s by the Australian scientist Jacques Miller and the assessment of its role as a central organ of immunity, research in this area has been controversial - from the recognition of the critical role of the thymus in the formation of the T-cell repertoire and control of the adaptive immune system function up to the denying thymus role as a vital organ. Contrary to the objections of immunologists, the formation of this opinion, in particular, was facilitated by the radical position of surgeons on the need for complete or partial thymectomy during cardiac surgery in children. For several reasons, the long-term consequences of such operations remain poorly understood to date. Technogenic influence on the human immune system and the intensification of life in modern post-industrial society create additional risks of deep chronic immunosuppression, which primarily affects the function of the thymus and manifests itself in accelerated immunosenescence as a whole and the development of immunoassociated diseases. Today, this dynamic field of research is experiencing a new peak of interest, intriguing discoveries and encouraging prospects, and new research and biotechnological opportunities require a critical assessment of accumulated scientific data and a rethinking of established views and dogmas.

The purpose of this Research Topic is to present different points of view on the role of the thymus in the structure of the immune system, its formation and functioning from the perspective of modern knowledge based on single-cell sequencing technologies, molecular cloning, gene editing, generation of pluripotent stem cells, growing of artificial organs and organoids, including the use of microfluidic chip technologies, modern image technologies, artificial intelligence and machine learning in modeling biotechnological processes, obtaining and evaluating new scientific data and their correct application in medical practice. The topic's articles should serve not only as a critical examination of existing evidence or present original data but also as a motivator and guide for future research, innovation and research cooperation.

Scope and information for Authors: The scope of the Research Topic addresses contributions to the next specific themes:

• Thymus structure and function

• Thymus research and developments

• Thymus and adaptive immunity

• Thymus and innate immunity

• Thymus-associated diseases

• Thymus regeneration

• Humanized thymus models

• Thymic organoids and cell cultures

• Molecular markers of thymic function and dysfunction

• Intrathymic signaling and crosstalk

• Intrathymic cytokine, chemokine and hormonal network

• Thymic cell populations

Research papers, reviews, perspectives, mini reviews, short communications, and opinions are welcome. Please note that pure clinical studies are unsuitable for this special issue.

Dr. Valentin Shichkin is employed by the private company OmniFarma, LLC.