Age, the Thymus, and T Lymphocytes

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Abstract
In the 1960s, the central role of the thymus in the production of T lymphocytes was demonstrated by Miller's classic experiments, in which neonatal thymectomy produced cellular immunodeficiency.1 In the succeeding 30 years, research into both congenital defects of cellular immunity (such as those in the DiGeorge syndrome and severe combined immunodeficiency) and acquired defects (as in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection and normal aging) has increased our knowledge of the normal differentiation and function of T lymphocytes.2 In this issue of the Journal, Mackall et al. show that in patients with cancer the administration of chemotherapy significantly reduces . . .