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Researchers Create Functional Immune System from Embryonic Stem Cells
February 14, 2008 at 6:03 PM
Genetics & Stem Cells News
The study, published online in journal Blood, offers new hope to patients with severe blood and immune disorders.
Researchers at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics say that one of the biggest limitations of traditional transplants—which use bone marrow, umbilical cord blood, and peripheral blood from donors—is that the antigens on the surface of donated cells must be compatible with those of the patient to prevent rejection.
This is where the advantage of using embryonic stem cells comes into picture, say the researchers.
According to them, embryonic stem cells have low levels of these antigens and may therefore be less likely to provoke a defensive reaction by the patient’s body. Thus, even when patients do not find suitably matched donors, they may still be able to receive transplants.
Previous studies had shown that mouse embryonic stem cells could be coaxed to form blood-forming hematopoietic cells by introducing into them a protein called HOXB4, known for its unique ability to greatly enhance cell proliferation.
In the latest study, a team of scientists from Iowa, Taiwan, and Germany used HOXB4-containing ESCs to engraft the bone marrow and rescue mice that genetically lacked any immune system and had been irradiated to destroy their bone marrow.
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More News on: Stem Cells - Cord Blood, Stem Cells - Fundamentals, Parkinsons Disease Surgical Treatment, Genetics and Stem Cells, Myasthenia Gravis, Stem Cells
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