Monday, April 14, 2008

Immune Rejection Problems May Be Solved By Embryonic Stem Cells

Source: Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council
Article Date: 14 April 2008 - 3:00 PDT

Summary:

Tissues derived from embryonic stem (ES) cells could help to pacify the immune system and so prevent recipients from rejecting them, the UK National Stem Cell Network Science Meeting heard. Speaking at the conference in Edinburgh, Dr Paul Fairchild from the University of Oxford told delegates that although tissues derived from ES cells succumb to rejection, they have an inherent immune-privilege which, if exploited, could have far reaching implications for the treatment of conditions such as diabetes, heart attacks and Parkinson's.