Complete absence of the αGal xenoantigen and isoglobotrihexosylceramide in α1,3galactosyltransferase knock-out pigs.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Anti-Galα1,3Galβ-R natural antibodies are responsible for hyperacute rejection in pig-to-primate xenotransplantation. Although the generation of pigs lacking the α1,3galactosyltransferase (GalT) has overcome hyperacute rejection, antibody-mediated rejection is still a problem. It is possible that other enzymes synthesize antigens similar to Galα1,3Gal epitopes that are recognized by xenoreactive antibodies. The glycosphingolipid isoglobotrihexosylceramide (iGb₃) represents such a candidate expressing an alternative Galα1,3Gal epitope. The present work determined whether the terminal Galα1,3Gal disaccharide is completely absent in Immerge pigs lacking the GalT using several different highly sensitive methods.

Methods

The expression of Galα1,3Gal was evaluated using

SUBMITTER: Puga Yung GL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3614413 | biostudies-literature | 2012 May-Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature