Introduction:

Random somatic recombination of T cell receptors facilitates the variability of response to foreign antigens. Then, central tolerance occurs, a mechanism designed to avoid exit of autoreactive T cells from the thymus. However, failures in this process can induce the appearance of autoimmunity.

Materials and methods:

This narrative review was conducted through a literature search focused on describing relevant and recent concepts of central tolerance of T cells.

Results:

Multiple cell groups are part of the thymic microenvironment, among them, thymic epithelial cells are responsible for directing development of thymocytes, especially medullary thymic epithelial cells that direct the negative selection process.

Conclusions:

Factors that affect thymocytes, the thymic microenvironment, or interaction between them, can lead to development of immunodeficiencies and/or autoimmunity.

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