Discussion Forums > Working Towards a Cure
Spleen's Role In Thal - Breakthrough under way? Introducing healthy cells into the spleen as a possible cure
Andy Battaglia:
Sharmin,
That is a very interesting idea, especially in light of what has been found with experiments using a spleen transplant as a way to increase tolerance of further transplants, such as other organs.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/53021.php
--- Quote ---...the induction of immunological tolerance is feasible through spleen transplantation...spleen transplantation in miniature swine...Spleen transplant recipients received a short course of immunosuppressive therapy, after which the transplanted spleen was accepted. The recipient became unresponsive towards the donor in vitro, allowing a kidney from the same donor to be accepted without immunosuppression. One of the possible mechanisms leading to tolerance though spleen transplantation, is the fact that hematopoietic stem cells from the donor spleen engraft in the recipients lymphoid organs, including the bone marrow, thereby teaching the immune system to consider the donor as "self".
--- End quote ---
What I find most interesting about this is that hematopoietic stem cells engraft in the patient's bone marrow. Hematopoietic stem cells are the precursors of all blood cells. In this study, the hematopoietic stem cells acted as the recipient's own stem cells. The application in thalassemia would depend on how well these stem cells reproduced and and their longevity. If the change is permanent, it may provide some real help to thalassemics.
Perhaps Dr Vichinsky can tell you if this could have some real application in thalassemia in the future.
Sharmin:
I will definitely mention this to Dr. Vichinsky.
Ever since I heard of the outcome for the hemophilia patient - I have been wondering about this. I know that the spleen is capable of extramedullary hemopoiesis - in addition the study you quoted mentions that the spleen causes engraftment in the host bone marrow. I wonder if a spleen transplant - or even engraftment of some spleen tissue could result in some benefit - or a potential cure for thalassemia. If the spleen can produce red blood cells - and the engrafted cells in the marrow also produce blood cells there may be potential.
If this does not cure thal, at the very least it can reduce complications in BMT - such as GVHD - and may increase survival rates.
We may be on to something Andy hmmmm :dunno :dunno...
Sharmin :biggrin
§ãJ¡Ð ساجد:
Sharmin, You're a genius!! :thumbs
:stars
Zaini:
Oh my God,
Great idea Sharmin :hi5girls
This site is full of geniuses,i think i am the only dumb one :heehee
ZAINI.
Sharmin:
Thanks Sajid and Zaini :blush ,
Andy is our genius, I'm just a mom thinking up crazy ideas and bouncing them off of poor Andy - hoping that something makes sense. You are right Zaini, this site is full of some very intelligent and knowledgeable people including you! Isn't it amazing how much we can learn when we need to for our children!
I will mention this to Dr. Vichinsky to see if this has been looked into previously.
I hope our appointment goes well,
Sharmin
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