Pluripotent stem cells offer a new prototype for Age Related Macular Degeneration modeling and therapies.
Forced expression of a single transcription factor, FOXN1, can regenerate an aged thymus, leading to normal production and differentiation of T cells.
T lymphocytes, as a component of the immune system, play a vital role in defending our body against intracellular pathogens, such as viruses, intracellular bacteria or parasites. In a previous blog we mentioned that cellular functions can abate with aging and cause the marked reduction in immune system responsiveness. These changes have been associated with increased morbidity and mortality in the elderly population from infectious diseases[1].