After treatment, the regenerated organ had a structure similar to that found in a young mouse.
The thymus is an organ in the body located next to the heart that produces important immune cells. The advance could pave the way for new therapies for people with damaged immune systems and genetic conditions that affect thymus development.
The function of the thymus was also restored and the mice began making more white blood cells called T cells, which are important for fighting off infection. However, it is not yet clear whether the immune system of the mice was improved.
The study was led by researchers from the Medical Research Council Centre for Regenerative Medicine at the University of Edinburgh.
The researchers targeted a protein produced by cells of the thymus called FOXN1, which helps to control how important genes are switched on. By increasing levels of FOXN1, the team instructed stem cell-like cells to rebuild the organ.
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Image: N. Bredenkamp et al./MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburg
