Tolerogeneicity of Embryonic Stem Cells in Allogeneic animals

Iowa City, Iowa USA

Due to the great interest generated by the first clinical use of embryonic stem cells we decided to see other papers in the area of immunological activities of embryonic stem cells.

The possibility that embryonic stem cells can be immune suppressive and therefore transplanted across allogeneic barriers is very tantalizing. Indeed this is the case for mesenchymal stem cells .

In the paper (Immunogenicity and Engraftment of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells in Allogeneic Recipients Stem Cells Vol. 24 No. 10 October 2006, pp. 2192-2201) Bonde et al describe a series of experiments in which allogeneic murine embryonic stem cells are transplanted in absence of immune suppression. The cells home to lymphoid organs, do not appear to be rejected, and actually induce responder T cell apoptosis.

This paper, combined with the report of a clinical embryonic stem cell transplant, supports the possible use of embryonic stem cells as an "off the shelf" product for stem cell therapy. Of course the issue of teratoma formation still remains.

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