The role of morphogens in T-cell development

The Hedgehog (Hh) and Wnt family proteins, and the bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) 2 and 4, act as morphogens during vertebrate embryogenesis and organogenesis by regulating patterning and cell fate. They have recently been found to have a role in regulating cell fate and determination in self-renewing tissues in adults, such as the immune system and haematopoietic system. This Review presents studies on the role of Sonic Hh (Shh), Wnts and BMP2/4 in the regulation of thymocyte development. Shh and BMP2/4 act as negative regulators of thymocyte development. By contrast, Wnt signalling, through β-catenin, has a positive role in the control of T-cell development, such that an absence or reduction in the Wnt signal leads to a reduction in cell number and cell proliferation rate and differentiation to the CD4+CD8+ double-positive stage.