Dr Paola Bonfanti
Seminar: “Reconstitution of a functional human thymus by
progenitor cells and natural whole-organ scaffolds “.
23/02/2021 at 15.00 on TEAMS
Abstract:
“Alterations of thymus development or function result in severe immunodeficiency and autoimmunity. We report the complete reconstruction of a functional human thymus via a multipartite approach. After extensive expansion in culture, thymic stromal cells, identified as clonogenic progenitors, are used to repopulate decellularised thymic scaffolds obtained by a novel method of whole organ perfusion. The combined cells and scaffold are able to mature in vitro and in vivo into an anatomic phenocopy of the native organ that support the functional maturation of haematopoietic progenitors into CD4- and CD8-expressing thymocytes when transplanted into humanized immunodeficient mice. This anatomical and functional reconstruction of the human thymus offers a unique, practical approach to treating congenital and acquired diseases.”