Embryonic stem cell-derived tissues are immunogenic but their inherent immune privilege promotes the induction of tolerance.

ABSTRACT: Although human embryonic stem (ES) cells may one day provide a renewable source of tissues for cell replacement therapy (CRT), histoincompatibility remains a significant barrier to their clinical application. Current estimates suggest that surprisingly few cell lines may be required to facilitate rudimentary tissue matching. Nevertheless, the degree of disparity between donor and recipient that may prove acceptable, and the extent of matching that is therefore required, remain unknown. To address this issue using a mouse model of CRT, we have derived a panel of ES cell lines that differ from CBA/Ca recipients at defined genetic loci. Here, we show that even expression of minor histocompatibility (mH) antigens is sufficient to provoke acute rejection of tissues differentiated from ES cells.

SUBMITTER: Robertson NJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2409242 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature