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.
Transplantation Research Immunology Group, Nuffield Department of Surgery, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.
Ashleigh S
AS
Boyd
Kathryn J
KJ
Wood
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