Thymus organoid platform presented by FibroBiologics aims to counter age-related immune decline at Keystone Symposia

FibroBiologics presented preclinical data at the Keystone Symposia showing a transplantable thymic organoid that generated multiple T cell lineages in immunodeficient mice and produced antigen-specific responses that slowed tumor growth in a melanoma model.

FibroBiologics presented preclinical results at the Keystone Symposia on Aging and Immunity describing a transplantable thymic micro-organoid designed to restore thymic function lost with age. The company is a clinical-stage biotechnology firm developing therapies using fibroblasts and fibroblast-derived materials. The report focused on lab and mouse-model data that test the organoid's ability to support T cell development and immune responses. The presentation noted features intended to support clinical scalability, including a rapid production process and cryopreservation. Key findings: - The company reported a transplantable thymic micro-organoid made from selectively screened fibroblasts combined with thymic stromal cells. - The organoids are produced by a three-day, matrix-free culture process and are described as cryopreservable and injectable. - In immunodeficient mouse models, transplanted organoids generated multiple T cell lineages, including alpha-beta (αβ) T cells, gamma-delta (γδ) T cells, natural killer T (NKT) cells, and FoxP3+ regulatory T cells. - Organoid-derived T cells showed a diverse T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire in vivo and demonstrated functional responses to immune stimuli. - Gene expression analysis indicated the organoids maintained expression of key factors needed for T cell development and maturation in culture and after transplantation. - In a targeted melanoma model using pmel-1 thymocytes, organoid-derived antigen-specific T cells were reported to slow tumor growth and were accompanied by increased natural killer (NK) cell activation across tumor sites and draining lymph nodes. Summary: The data presented describe a preclinical thymus organoid platform that supports multiple aspects of thymic biology and can generate antigen-specific responses in mice. Undetermined at this time.