Open AccessHuman Embryonic Stem Cells Possess Immune‐Privileged Properties
Author(s) -
Li Li,
Baroja Miren L.,
Majumdar Anish,
Chadwick Kristin,
Rouleau Anne,
Gallacher Lisa,
Ferber Iris,
Lebkowski Jane,
Martin Tanya,
Madrenas Joaquin,
Bhatia Mickie
Publication year - 2004
Publication title -
stem cells
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.159
H-Index - 229
eISSN - 1549-4918
pISSN - 1066-5099
DOI - 10.1634/stemcells.22-4-448
Subject(s) - biology , embryonic stem cell , immune system , microbiology and biotechnology , immunology , transplantation , stem cell , major histocompatibility complex , cancer research , genetics , medicine , surgery , gene
Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are envisioned to be a major source for cell‐based therapies. Efforts to overcome rejection of hESCs include nuclear transfer and collection of hESC banks representing the broadest diversity of major histocompatability complex (MHC) polymorphorisms. Surprisingly, immune responses to hESCs have yet to be experimentally evaluated. Here, injection of hESCs into immune‐competent mice was unable to induce an immune response. Undifferentiated and differentiated hESCs failed to stimulate proliferation of alloreactive primary human T cells and inhibited third‐party allogeneic dendritic cell‐mediated T‐cell proliferation via cellular mechanisms independent of secreted factors. Upon secondary rechallenge, T cells cocultured with hESCs were still responsive to allogeneic stimulators but failed to proliferate upon re‐exposure to hESCs. Our study demonstrates that hESCs possess unique immune‐privileged characteristics and provides an unprecedented opportunity to further investigate the mechanisms of immune response to transplantation of hESCs that may avoid immune‐mediated rejection.