Abstract：
The thymus is where T cells, among the most important immune cells involved in biological defense and homeostasis, are produced and developed. The thymus plays an important role in the defense against infection and cancer as well as the prevention of autoimmune diseases. However, the thymus gland atrophies with age, which might have pathological functions, and in some circumstances, there is a congenital defect in the thymus. These can be the cause of many diseases related to the dysregulation of T cell functions. Thus, the enhancement and/or normalization of thymic function may lead to protection against and treatment of a wide variety of diseases. Therefore, thymus transplantation is considered a strong candidate for permanent treatment. The status and issues related to thymus transplantation for possible immunotherapy are discussed although it is still at an early stage of development.
摘要：
胸腺是T细胞，在参与生物防御和体内平衡的最重要的免疫细胞中，是生产和开发的。胸腺在防御感染和癌症以及预防自身免疫性疾病中起着重要作用。然而,胸腺随着年龄的增长萎缩,可能有病理功能，在某些情况下,胸腺有先天性缺陷。这些可能是许多与T细胞功能失调相关的疾病的原因。因此，例如,胸腺功能的增强和/或正常化可以导致针对多种疾病的保护和治疗。因此,胸腺移植被认为是永久性治疗的有力候选者。尽管胸腺移植仍处于发展的早期阶段，但仍讨论了与可能的免疫治疗有关的现状和问题。
