Transplantation Tolerance Induced in Humans at the Fetal or Neonatal Stage
Author Information
Author(s): Jean-Louis Touraine, Kamel Sanhadji
Primary Institution: Claude Bernard University and Hospices Civils de Lyon, France
Hypothesis
Can transplantation tolerance be induced in humans at the fetal or neonatal stage?
Conclusion
Patients transplanted with HLA-mismatched stem cells from fetal livers can develop tolerance to donor antigens without the need for conditioning regimens.
Supporting Evidence
- Engraftment of fetal liver stem cells can induce tolerance to donor antigens in SCID patients.
- T-cells from chimeric patients show tolerance to both host and donor antigens.
- The study involved long-term follow-up of patients to assess immune reconstitution.
Takeaway
When babies or fetuses receive stem cells from donors, their bodies can learn to accept those cells without fighting them off.
Methodology
Nineteen patients with SCID received fetal liver stem cell transplants, and their immune responses were analyzed over time.
Limitations
The number of donor cells did not significantly increase over time in nonimmunodeficient patients.
Participant Demographics
Nineteen patients with severe combined immunodeficiency, including 17 infants and 2 fetuses.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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