For the immunologists/biochemists out there: could you explain the concept of thymic deletion?

Answer 1

Thymic deletion is one of the fundamental concepts in immunology. The thymus is thought to be involved in deleting the clones of T-cells that recognize MHC (major histocompatibility). Therefore preventing hypersensitivity, autolysis of cells expressing host MHC antigens and eventually death. The proper functioning of T-cells and to an extent B cells, rest on the appropriate processing of immune cells through the thymus. If a T cell recognizes the host MHC, it is deleted. Simple as that.