So much for the gallant search for a heart, courage or a brain. These scientists are off to find a thymus. While not exactly a journey to Oz, researchers' quest to revive a withered immune system has become one of the next major challenges of AIDS treatment. The problem is that AIDS engages the body in a long war for survival.
New drugs can virtually clear the bloodstream of virus.
The war stopped, but Dresden was still demolished. Until we get it rebuilt, we won't know how beautiful it once was. Without a sound immune system, patients might not reclaim their good health even if doctors one day manage to conquer the virus. Also, doctors say, the research stands to benefit cancer patients whose immune systems are racked by intensive treatment. This effort has drawn many researchers to the lowly thymus, a kind of military academy for the immune system, and its alumni, called T cells.