The thymus is the most sensitive organ under various pathophysiological conditions, such as aging, starvation, and infection. As a key stromal cell for T cell development, it is well-known that thymic epithelial cells (TECs) play an important role in the thymus response to the external environment. Thymosin beta 15 (Tβ15) is a G-actin binding protein secreted by TECs, it plays an important role in maintaining the dynamic balance of actin, angiogenesis, axonal formation, and wound healing, but the relationship between Tβ15 and TECs is not clear yet. Here, we show the impact of Tβ15 on the TEC’s spatial development, as well as the T-cell differentiation and thymic output. As a result, TEC is the main effector cell of Tβ15 in the thymus. Tβ15 OX inhibits the chemotaxis of TECs to the medulla and subsequently blocks the positive selection of thymocytes from CD3⁺TCRβ⁺CD4⁺CD8⁺ double positive cells to CD3⁺TCRβ⁺CD4⁺CD8⁻ single-positive (CD4SP) cells. Tβ15-knockdown accelerates the reticular differentiation of astral TECs and medullary TECs. Importantly, mice implanted with Tβ15-knockdown iTECs show high thymic output but low peripheral T cell maturity and activity. In a word, our results explain the role of Tβ15 on the differentiation and function of TECs and provide a new perspective for understanding the process of thymus development and degeneration.

Background: Traditional Chinese medicine holds a unique and invaluable position internationally. Ganoderma lucidum, a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, is anti-oxidative, anti-aging, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and effective in the treatment of diabetes. However, there is still a lack of systematic bibliometric analysis with regard to Ganoderma lucidum. Objective: This study uses bibliometric analysis methods to assess the published literature on Ganoderma lucidum, determine the current state of Ganoderma research, visualize development trends and research hotspots, and provide references for research on the topic. Methods: This study searched the Web of Science Core Collection database for literature published between 1994 and 2024, and used WPS Excel, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace to analyze and apply information on authors, institutions, journals, regions, keywords, etc., included in the collection, and construct visual literature collaboration networks. Results: A total of 3320 publications were ultimately analyzed. The three most prolific authors in the past 30 years are Ang Ren, Liang Shi and Mingwen Zhao. The Chinese Academy of Sciences is the most outstanding institution in the field of Ganoderma lucidum research. And the journal INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MEDICAL MUSHROOMS has made outstanding contributions in the field. China has published the most publications in this field, followed by the United States. In recent years, the pharmacological effects of Ganoderma lucidum on regulating the gut microbiota have attracted a lot of attention. Conclusion: From 1994 to 2024, research attention to Ganoderma lucidum has continued to increase, as such it may be a potential research hotspot in the field of traditional medicine. This study examined the development trends and research hotspots of relevant scholars.