Scientists began to create artificial immunity
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Soon, physicians will be able to grow a part of the immune system for a person - the spleen and lymph nodes. The clinical need, scientific evidence and successful attempts to replace part of the immune system with artificial grafts already exist, Japanese scientists say.
Artificial Immunity
In an experiment with mice, biologists from Kyoto University (Kyoto University) showed that artificial lymph nodes work no worse than real ones, their own. To create lymph nodes scientists used a matrix (sponge) from the polymer and stromal cells (stem cells of the bone marrow). Previously, scientists made several genetic modifications into the stromal cells.
The experimental lymph node biologists were transplanted into the mouse's body, into the capsule of the kidney. Within three weeks, the polymer sponge produced lymphocytes, and the structure of the node was transformed and acquired the features of the structure, characteristic of a healthy lymph node. Scientists have shown that artificial lymph nodes even participate in the immune response, forming B-lymphocytes, T-lymphocytes and memory cells.
Scientists write that, for clinical use, probably, lymph nodes created without the use of stromal cells. The non-cellular technology (cell-free) Japanese scientists have already experienced in an experiment on mice.
To create cell-free lymph nodes, biologists used individual molecules that trigger the formation of lymphocytes. After three weeks, the polymer sponges, transplanted into the capsule of the kidney, "overgrew" with lymphoid tissue and connected to the blood vessels. True, the immune response of such lymph nodes was somewhat weaker in comparison with those created with the help of stromal cells.
In similar experiments with mice, scientists have shown that the polymer sponge and cell culture can replace the lost spleen.
Who needs artificial immunity?
The spleen removes bacteria and foreign particles from the body, and when foreign antigens get from the blood, it provides an immune response - it produces lymphocytes (immune cells). When the bone marrow hemopoiesis is suppressed, the spleen also produces uniform elements of the blood.
After operations to remove the spleen (splenectomy), the protective functions of the body are violated: the detoxified bacteria are not removed from the body, toxins are retained in the bloodstream, antibodies to bacterial antigens are reduced. Result - a person has an increased susceptibility to infections.
Lymph nodes are located in the form of grains along the lymphatic vessels (usually in the places of branching of blood vessels). In the lymph node distinguish between the cortical layer and the brain substance. In the cortical layer, B cells are concentrated, in the brain substance - lymphocytes, macrophages and other populations of cells of the immune system. The area between the cortex and the medulla is the site of T cell concentration. Such proximity of all three types of functionally mature cells creates favorable conditions for the successful development of an immune response.
According to the Japanese researchers, published in Discovery Medicine, artificial lymph nodes are useful for patients with cancer, and simply aging people who, due to natural causes, weakened immunity.
"In recent years, we have collected enough scientific data to finally create artificial lymphoid tissue and organs suitable for clinical practice," the scientists conclude.
[