Beneath the radar: immune-evasive cell sources for stroke therapy
Beatriz Achón Buil1, Nora H Rentsch1, Rebecca Z Weber1
1Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
Trends in Molecular Medicine
|January 25, 2024
Summary
Engineered stem cells can evade immune rejection in stroke patients. Genetic modification of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) in stem cells reduces the need for numerous cell lines, improving transplant viability.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Immunology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Stem cell therapy shows promise for stroke recovery.
- Allogeneic transplants face immune rejection via the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system.
- Current HLA diversity necessitates extensive cell line banks, insufficient for rare genetic profiles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review advancements in genetic HLA engineering for stem cells.
- To explore strategies for immune evasion in allogeneic cell transplantation.
- To assess safety measures for HLA-engineered stem cells in preclinical and clinical settings.
Main Methods:
- Genetic engineering of pluripotent stem cells to modify HLA expression.
- Preclinical studies evaluating immune response to engineered cells.
- Review of safety protocols for upcoming clinical trials.
Main Results:
- Genetic HLA engineering can reduce immune rejection of allogeneic stem cells.
- Fewer engineered cell lines may suffice for a broader patient population.
- Preclinical data and planned trials are investigating safety.
Conclusions:
- HLA-engineered stem cells offer a potential solution to immune rejection in stroke therapy.
- This approach could decrease the manufacturing burden and improve treatment accessibility.
- Further safety evaluations are crucial for clinical translation.
Keywords:
allogeneic stem cell transplantationcell therapyhuman leukocyte antigenhypoimmunogenic stem cellspluripotent stem cellsstroke
