Question

If an individual failed to develop a thymus because of genetic defect, what would happen to humoral and cell-mediated immunity?

Answer 1

The thymus produces progenitor cells, which mature into T-cells (thymus-derived cells). The body uses T-cells help destroy infected or cancerous cells. T-cells created by the thymus also help other organs in the immune system grow properly. If the thymus doesn't develop properly, the immune system of the human weakens drastically. In newborn, underdevelopment of thymus may lead to fatal disease. Cell mediated immunity that works due to the T-cells will also get affect badly.