The immunogenicity of human embryonic stem-derived cells

Abstract

Human embryonic stem cells have excellent potential for being the ultimate source of transplantable cells for many different tissues. To enable their clinical use, differentiation protocols should be developed and safety standards must be met. The cells should improve symptoms without generating side effects and their immune rejection must be overcome. Profiling of the immune antigens expressed on the cells has revealed that upon differentiation the cells express molecules of the major histocompatibility complex. Here, we propose ways of overcoming the rejection of human embryonic stem cells after transplantation.