The Role of the Thymus Gland in Atopic Dermatitis

Abstract

The thymus gland is a vital organ for maintaining a vigilant immune system. It develops at the perinatal stage, maturing during childhood and involutes during adolescence. The thymus secretes numerous cells, chemokines and lymphokines to sustain its function. The Thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC/CCL17) is a member of the T-helper 2 chemokine that aids in immunosurveillance in allergic disease. The TARC is a robust objective biomarker involved in the pathogenesis of Atopic Dermatitis, enabling the monitoring of many aspects of the disease. Arguably, it is currently the most sensitive clinical biomarker of Atopic Dermatitis. TARC has enabled atopic dermatologic management to be precise and personal. The regeneration of the thymus gland will be favourable to conserving many of its essential tasks in the body.