Thymistem Advancing Thymus and Stem Cell Research
ThymiStem – Stem Cell-Based Therapy for Thymic Regeneration | Advancing Immune Health
Our Work !
Our nine research teams are collaborating to advance understanding of the cells within the thymus, one of the central organs in the immune system. Our goal is to develop and test novel approaches for thymus replacement or regeneration, in order to pave the way for new stem cell based therapies to repair the thymus.
Previous clinical research has shown that transplanting a thymus into patients can be an effective way to repair and restore the immune system. The thymus tissue used for these transplants came from patients undergoing heart surgery and would normally have been discarded, since the thymus is removed routinely during some heart operations. However, an alternative, more sustainable and large-scale source of thymus tissue must be found before this type of treatment can become routine.
What we will do !
We plan to :
- establish methods for growing human thymus stem cells in the lab, or for making human thymus cells from other types of cell that we can already grow easily in the lab, such as embryonic stem cells or induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells
- test whether transplantation of these lab-grown cells can improve immune system function
- use tissue engineering to develop a fully functional artificial thymus suitable for transplantation
- develop procedures for long-term storage of human thymus cells using a technique called cryopreservation (storage at very low temperatures) and for ensuring strict quality control of lab-grown thymus cells
- produce information and educational tools to share our research with members of the public across Europe
For further information about the different types of stem cells used in our work, take a look at the fact sheets available from EuroStemCell.
Thymus - An Overview
ThymiStem Regenerating the Thymus with Stem Cell Therapies
ThymiStem is a pioneering European consortium dedicated to advancing stem cell-based therapies for thymic regeneration. By harnessing the potential of stem cell technology, we aim to regenerate the thymus, a vital organ for the production of T cells, and enhance immune health for those with compromised immune systems, especially elderly individuals and bone marrow transplant recipients.
About Us : ThymiStem: Stem Cell Therapies for Thymic Regeneration & Immune Health
ThymiStem : Regenerating the Thymus with Stem Cell Therapies
ThymiStem is a pioneering European consortium dedicated to advancing stem cell-based therapies for thymic regeneration. By harnessing the potential of stem cell technology, we aim to regenerate the thymus, a vital organ for the production of T cells, and enhance immune health for those with compromised immune systems, especially elderly individuals and bone marrow transplant recipients.
Our Mission : Boosting Immune Health Through Thymic Regeneration
At ThymiStem, our mission is clear: to develop innovative stem cell therapies that can repair the thymus and restore its ability to produce T cells, which are essential for an effective immune response. The thymus is responsible for producing T cells, which fight infections and help the body react appropriately to various diseases. As people age or undergo medical treatments like bone marrow transplants, their thymus can become damaged, weakening their immune response. Our goal is to regenerate the thymus and restore immune function, improving quality of life for patients.
Why is Thymic Regeneration So Important?
The thymus naturally degenerates as we age, leading to a decrease in T cell production, making the immune system less efficient. This decline in immune function is a key factor in why older adults are more susceptible to infections like the flu. ThymiStem is working to address this issue by repairing the thymus with stem cell therapy, offering a potential solution for aging populations and bone marrow transplant patients who suffer from weakened immune systems.
Our Research : How We Are Advancing Thymic Regeneration ?
Since its inception, ThymiStem has been focused on growing thymus stem cells in the lab and testing their ability to regenerate a fully functional thymus. Our team is working to determine how to produce these stem cells in sufficient quantities and of high quality, ensuring that they could one day be used for transplantation in patients.
Our project has already made significant progress, and we are now in the process of testing the safety and efficacy of these stem cell-based therapies. Our research is paving the way for new treatments that could boost immune health and potentially save lives. Learn more on pubmed
The ThymiStem Team : Leading Experts in Stem Cell Research
The ThymiStem project is led by a group of multidisciplinary experts, including stem cell biologists, immunologists, genetic engineers, and cell banking specialists. Our team works collaboratively across nine research centers in seven countries: the UK, Spain, Croatia, Ukraine, Turkey, the Czech Republic, and the USA. Together, we are committed to driving innovation in regenerative medicine and stem cell therapies to regenerate the thymus and restore immune function.
Why do we need new treatments for the thymus?
New ways to repair or regenerate the thymus could benefit many older people and those who have received a bone marrow transplant. The thymus is the first organ to degenerate in normal healthy ageing. This means we make fewer new T cells as we age, which is why older people are often more susceptible to infections such as flu. Damage to the thymus is also one of the major risks to life for patients who have undergone a bone marrow transplant, for example to treat blood cancer.
Communicating our research
Thymistem is active in communicating with the members of the public and others about its research.
Benefits of stem cell therapy
The Role of the Thymus in Immune Health
Thymus regeneration through stem cell therapy helps restore T cell production, essential for a functioning immune system. As the thymus naturally degenerates with age, ThymiStem's research aims to regenerate this vital organ to restore immune function and improve overall health.
Scientific Advances in Thymic Regeneration Research