Homologous recombination for universal donor cells and chimeric mammalian hosts

Patent Number: 6514752

This patent discloses a stem cell theat has been modified so as to lack expression of MHC genes. The modification involves homologous recombination in a manner similar to which knockout mice are made. The cells are then used for transplantation since they are presumed to be less immunogeneic. If it was possible to generate liver cells through this method, then the therapy may actually be commercializable since liver cells generally do not elicit strong alloresponses anyways.

For other tissues, one would have to be careful since there are other immunogenic genes besides the "major histocompatiblity complex" rejection associated genes.

View this patent on the USPTO website.