Variation in MHC expression between undifferentiated mouse ES cells and ES cell-derived insulin-producing cell clusters.

Journal article

BACKGROUND: The progeny of embryonic stem (ES) cells may eventually be used to replace damaged tissues in transplantation, yet their immunogenicity remains ill-defined. The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is a determinant of immunogenicity in transplantation. METHODS AND RESULTS: Herein, we show differences in MHC expression between mouse ES cells and ES cell derived insulin producing cell clusters (IPCCs), including a relatively higher expression of MHC Class I in IPCCs and a faster, more dramatic induction of MHC Class I in IPCCs following challenge with interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma). MHC Class II was induced on IPCCs, but not ES cells, after exposure to IFN-gamma. Transplantation of syngeneic or allogeneic IPCCs was insufficient to trigger up-regulation of MHC class I within three days after transplantation. DISCUSSION: These data highlight differences in MHC expression between ES cells and a fully differentiated ES cell derived tissue and suggest how the progeny of ES cells may be susceptible to rejection after transplantation.

Authors: Boyd, A; Wood, K

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: Transplantation
• Volume: 87
• Issue: 9
• Pages: 1300-1304
• Publication date: 2009-05-01
• DOI: 10.1097/tp.0b013e3181a19421
• EISSN: 1534-6080
• ISSN: 0041-1337
• Language: English
• Keywords: Insulin; Cell Differentiation; Mice; Major Histocompatibility Complex; Interferon-gamma; Homeostasis; Histocompatibility Antigens Class I; Animals; Embryonic Stem Cells