[From transplantation of the thymus to molecular reconstruction of the immune system].

The results of the first global grafting of the thymus and a thymus-sternum block are given. The grafting of immunocompetent organs in children with the Louis-Bar syndrome is shown to cause to a partial and in some cases significant recovery of immunological parameters. Thus, blast-cell transformation showed 10-40% increases, the titers of antibodies to Staphylococcus and Escherichia coli rose, and immunoglobulin A that was generally absent in these children before surgery appeared. The clinical effect of grafting was noticeably observed 20-30 days after surgery. The most significant parameters were as follows: cessation of sinusitis, rhinitis, bronchitis, and purulent skin lesions. Neurological syndromes improved: tremor and staggering gait diminished, ocular convergence normalized. Thereafter such operations were made in 27 patients with Bruton's disease and in 3 patients with lymphogranulomatosis. The grafting of immunocompetent organs led to the design of agents derived from the thyroid gland (Tactivin) and bone marrow (myelopid). The immunobiological and clinical effects of Tactivin in the past 15-20 years are given in detail. The basic principles in immunomodulating therapy with thymic agents are presented.