Long-term transgene expression from genetically modified hepatocytes grafted to the rat liver

Primary cultures of rat hepatocytes embedded and grown to high density in a wafer of reticulated polyurethane have been infected in vitro with a retroviral vector expressing the hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg). Wafers containing infected cells and implanted directly between the liver lobes of recipient rats became vascularized and firmly attached to the liver parenchyma. Stable levels of HBsAg were detected in the blood circulation for at least 4 months after grafting. Hepatocytes recovered from the recipient rats up to 4 months after implantation were recultured under selective conditions and found to produce high levels of HBsAg.