Scientists Create ‘Hematoids’ – Lab-Grown Structures Mimicking Early Human Blood & Immune System Development
CAMBRIDGE, UK – In a scientific advance poised to redefine regenerative medicine, researchers at the University of Cambridge have successfully created “hematoids”- lab-grown structures that replicate key aspects of human blood adn immune system development at day 14 of embryogenesis. Published in Cell Reports, the breakthrough offers a novel platform for studying early human development, testing new therapies, and potentially generating patient-specific blood cells.
While unable to develop into a fetus, these models reproduce fundamental aspects of human embryogenesis, complete with blood, according to researchers. The development of hematoids addresses a critical gap in research, as studying the earliest stages of human development is ethically complex and technically challenging.
“Hematoids represent a unique tool for biomedical research,” researchers stated. “They make it possible to study the formation of blood and immune tissues, to test new therapies and to consider future applications in regenerative medicine.”
The research team acknowledges remaining technical hurdles, including optimizing laboratory production of blood and immune cells and assessing the long-term safety of clinical applications. Integrating these cells into the human body and understanding thier function within a real immune context remain key areas for future exploration.
Despite these challenges, the potential impact of hematoids is significant. Researchers envision a future where personalized medicine leverages these structures to produce blood cells tailored to individual patients, revolutionizing treatment for blood disorders and immune deficiencies. This breakthrough marks a convergence of basic science and regenerative therapy, opening possibilities previously considered unattainable.
Details of the work are published in the journal Cell Reports.
