First created a body from scratch in the laboratory – Overview

A group of genetically modified cells developed into a complete and functional thymus.

For the creation of the body, the team of researchers led by Professor Clare Blackburn, used connective tissue cells of the embryo of a mouse, which were then genetically reprogrammed. Once inside the animal, the cells formed a thymus.

Located near the heart, this small organ is responsible for the production of T-lymphocytes, cells that play a key role in the immune system.

Despite having been tested only on rats, researchers at the University of Edinburgh say that within about a decade, the treatment may be sufficiently safe and effective to be applied in humans.

“This is a very important first step toward the goal of generating a clinically useful artificial thymus in the laboratory”, welcomes Clare Blackburn, who led the team of researchers responsible for the study, published in Nature magazine this semaqna Cell Biology .