Immune evasion of human stem-cell-derived neural graft in rodent models

Transplantation rejection is the main challenge in human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived therapies.

The researchers used hPSC line (termed H1-FS-8IM), engineered to overexpress 8 immunomodulatory transgenes, to enable transplant immune evasion.

They show in co-cultures, H1-FS-8IM PSC-derived midbrain neurons evaded rejection by T lymphocytes, natural killer cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells. 

The authors also provide preclinical evidence of pluripotent stem cell line evading immune detection after neural engraftment in a humanized immune system mouse model and reversal of motor symptoms in Parkinsonian rats.

Incorporation of a suicide gene within the universal donor cell ensures safety for cell-based therapies.

https://www.cell.com/cell-stem-cell/fulltext/S1934-5909(25)00098-0

https://sciencemission.com/A-cloaked-human-stem-cell-derived-neural-graft