Blood–thymus barrier
The blood–thymus barrier regulates exchange of substances between the circulatory system and thymus, providing a sequestered environment for immature T cells to develop. The barrier also prevents the immature T cells from contacting foreign antigens (since contact with antigens at this stage will cause the T cells to die by apoptosis).
The barrier is formed by the continuous blood capillaries in the thymic cortex, reinforced by epithelial reticular cells (sometimes called thymic epithelial cells) and macrophages.
See also
- Blood–air barrier – Membrane separating alveolar air from blood in lung capillaries
- Blood–brain barrier – Semipermeable membrane that separates blood from the brain
- Blood–ocular barrier – A physical barrier between the local blood vessels and most parts of the eye itself
- Blood–retinal barrier – Part of the blood–ocular barrier that prevents certain substances from entering the retina
- Blood–testis barrier – A physical barrier between the blood vessels and the seminiferous tubules of the animal testes
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