FibroBiologics Inc. (NASDAQ: FBLG) presented preclinical data on its thymic organoid platform at the Keystone Symposia on Aging and Immunity. The Houston-based biotechnology company reported that its transplantable thymic micro-organoids successfully generated multiple T cell types in immunodeficient mouse models.

The company developed the organoids using screened fibroblasts combined with thymic stromal cells through a three-day, matrix-free culture process. The organoids are designed to be cryopreservable and injectable for potential clinical applications.

In laboratory testing, the transplanted organoids produced alpha-beta T cells, gamma-delta T cells, natural killer T cells, and regulatory T cells. The organoid-derived T cells showed diverse T cell receptor repertoires and demonstrated functional responses to immune stimuli, according to the company's findings.

Gene expression analysis indicated the organoids maintained expression of factors required for T cell development and maturation both in culture and in living systems. In cancer models using pmel-1 thymocytes programmed to recognize melanoma antigens, the organoids generated antigen-specific T cells that slowed tumor growth in mice.

"These data highlight the remarkable versatility of fibroblasts as a biological building block," said Hamid Khoja, Chief Scientific Officer of FibroBiologics. "Our organoid platform not only restores diverse thymic function in preclinical models but can also generate antigen-specific T cells with demonstrated anti-tumor activity."

The thymus produces T cells that form part of the adaptive immune system. Thymic function naturally declines with age, a process called thymic involution, which can reduce immune system effectiveness. FibroBiologics holds more than 270 issued and pending patents related to fibroblast-based therapeutics across multiple medical applications.