Experimental model of micronodular thymic neoplasm with lymphoid stroma

Abstract Background Micronodular thymic neoplasm with lymphoid stroma (MNT), a subtype of thymic tumor, is histopathologically characterized by micronodular thymic epithelial cell nests with lymphoid stroma. Despite the distinct histopathology of MNT, its pathogenesis remains unclear. Methods In thi...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Riko Niwa, Yuki Hanamatsu, Yusuke Kito, Chiemi Saigo, Tamotsu Takeuchi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2023-02-01
Series:Thoracic Cancer
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1111/1759-7714.14716
Description
Summary:Abstract Background Micronodular thymic neoplasm with lymphoid stroma (MNT), a subtype of thymic tumor, is histopathologically characterized by micronodular thymic epithelial cell nests with lymphoid stroma. Despite the distinct histopathology of MNT, its pathogenesis remains unclear. Methods In this study, we aimed to examine a thymic tumor harboring thymic epithelial and lymphoid cells in a nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficiency mouse. Results The excised tumor cells were cultured in vitro and comprised epithelial tumor cells and lymphoid cells. During a three‐dimensional cell culture, the epithelial tumor cells formed micronodular cell nests surrounded by lymphoid stroma. Notably, the lymphoid cells underwent apoptosis when they were separated from the epithelial tumor cells. Cutaneous transplantation of the cultured epithelial cells with splenocytes from BALB/c mice led to tumor formation, and these cells demonstrated a histopathology similar to that of human MNT in a nonobese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficiency mouse. Conclusion Given its overlapping features with human MNT, the transplanted tumor could serve as an experimental model of this disease.
ISSN:1759-7706
1759-7714