UCLA Researchers Develop T-cells From Human Embryonic Stem Cells

Source: University of California - Los Angeles
Posted: 06 Jul 2006 - 3:00am (PDT)

Summary:

Researchers from the UCLA AIDS Institute and the Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Medicine have demonstrated for the first time that human embryonic stem cells can be genetically manipulated and coaxed to develop into mature T-cells, raising hopes for a gene therapy to combat AIDS.

The study, to be published the week of July 3 in the online edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found that it is possible to convert human embryonic stem cells into blood-forming stem cells that in turn can differentiate into the helper T-cells that HIV specifically targets. T-cells are one of the body's main defenses against disease. Researchers said the results mark the first time that scientists have been able to derive T-cells out of human embryonic stem cells.

Commentary: This study appears to be a promising basis for further research into using stem cells to treat immune diseases and disorders.