MATERIALS AND METHODS FOR MANAGEMENT OF HYPERACUTE REJECTION IN HUMAN XENOTRANSPLANTATION

摘要

Human pre-formed xenoatibodies play an important role in the hyperacute rejection response response in human xenotransplantation. Disclosedare materials and methods for removing or neutralizing such antibodies. Also disclosed are materials and methods for reducing or eliminatingthe epitopes in the donor organs that are recognized by such antibodies. Such epitopes are formed as the result of activity by the enzyme .alpha.-1,3 galactosyltransferase. The porcine gene encoding .alpha.- 1,3 galactosy transferase is disclosed, as are materials and methods for inactivating("knocking out") the .alpha.-1,3 galactosyltransferase gene in mammalian cells and embryos. Included are nucleic acid constructs useful forinactivating the .alpha.-1,3 galactosyltransferase gene in a target cell .Also disclosed is a novel leukemia inhibitory factor (T-LIF) that is usefulfor maintenance of embryonic stem cells and primordial germ cells in culture.