Target cells and tissual microenvironment in the development of thymic lymphomas in mice : a model to study the role of host factors in carcinogenesis

Radiation-induced thymic lymphomas in mice allow to study the endogenous influences, which contribute to the oncogenic process. Soon after irradiation, preneoplastic cells appear in the thymus. They require thymic microenvironment for progression to cancer. Some components of this environment are altered in an irreversible way during the prelymphomatous latent period. This phenomenon seems to play a critical role for lymphoma development. The graft does not inhibit the emergence of preneoplastic cells. However, these cells disappear after a few weeks, when thymic microenvironment is restored. (Authors)