Immunogenicity of embryonic stem cells and their progeny.

The ability of pluripotent human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) to differentiate into multiple cell types has led to great excitement about their potential use in the treatment of various degenerative and malignant human diseases. Before such a goal is attainable, however, it must be demonstrated that pure populations of specialized cell types can be isolated and transplanted while simultaneously avoiding possible immune-mediated rejection of these cells. In this chapter, I will discuss the utility of the humanized mouse Trimera model as an in vivo experimental system to study the immunological properties of hESCs and their differentiated derivatives.