Developing Stratified Epithelia: Lessons from the Epidermis and Thymus

The document discussed the development of stratified squamous epithelial cells in the skin epidermis and thymus, highlighting their roles in forming protective barriers and supporting immune functions. The epidermis develops a multi-layered structure and appendages like hair follicles to protect against water loss and pathogens, while the thymic epithelium forms a 3D mesh crucial for T cell selection. Despite originating from different embryonic germ layers, both tissues share similar epithelial differentiation programs and molecular mechanisms. The review aimed to underscore the developmental similarities between these tissues, emphasizing their roles in immunity.