Cell subtype · L1S
EPI.thymic_medullary
1,680 cells in the full atlas (not the displayed sample).
These are the cell-population annotations shown in the SCREATE Cell Browser.
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Marker genes
AIRE, FEZF2, KRT5, KRT14, CLDN4, TRAF6
Annotation genes
AIRE, FEZF2, KRT5, CLDN4
Annotation rationales
Medullary thymic epithelial cells are specialized stromal epithelial cells that express diverse tissue-restricted self antigens under AIRE- and FEZF2-dependent control. Their basal keratin program distinguishes them from cortical thymic epithelium.
Functional implications
They delete strongly self-reactive thymocytes, promote regulatory T-cell development and establish central immune tolerance.
More specific populations
Marker and functional descriptions are atlas annotations. Explore gene expression, trait associations and regulatory elements in the interactive browsers; see the browser guide.