ESPE Yearbook of Paediatric Endocrinology

Brief Summary: The article provides a comprehensive overview of current advancements and remaining obstacles in thyroid tissue regeneration.

Recent studies have identified potential cellular mechanisms that may contribute to thyroid regeneration following partial tissue damage, including thyroid progenitor cells and microfollicles. Yet, regeneration after damage remains limited as the gland has a slow cell turnover rate. Moreover, in cases of total thyroidectomy or congenital absence (thyroid agenesis), regeneration does not occur, highlighting the need for external sources of thyroid tissue. Thyroid organoid transplantation has emerged as a promising approach for restoring thyroid function. Researchers have successfully generated thyroid organoids from embryonic stem cells (ESCs), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and adult thyroid tissue, showing functionality in preclinical models.

This research holds potential for future clinical applications, particularly in pediatric patients with Thyroid Tissue Regeneration or those requiring thyroid replacement therapy following surgery. While significant progress has been made, challenges remain in achieving full maturation and functionality of human thyroid organoids in vitro and in vivo. Other points of attention are long-term safety, efficacy, and the immune response to transplanted organoids.