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


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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Boyd
Ashleigh S
AS
Transplantation Research Immunology Group, Nuffield Department of Surgery, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
Wood
Kathryn J
KJ
D000818:Animals; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000276:immunology; D053595:Embryonic Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology* / Q000502:physiology; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000096:biosynthesis; D006706:Homeostasis; D007328:Insulin / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000494:pharmacology; D008285:Major Histocompatibility Complex; D051379:Mice
D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I; D007328:Insulin; D007371:Interferon-gamma