Scientists grow artificial thymus cells

Engineers have designed a three dimensional grid that allows stem cells to differentiate into mature T cells ex vivo. The resulting cells are genetically similar to native thymus cells, are fully functional, and may lead to the production of T cells whose reactivity can be directed towards specific foreign antigens, potentially replacing parts of the immune system damaged by disease or chemotherapy (Nature Biotechnology 2000;18:729-34).

The grid, used by Dr David Scadden, director of experimental haematology, and …