Patient-Specific Embryonic Stem Cells Derived from Human SCNT Blastocysts.

Patient-specific, immune-matched human embryonic stem cells (hESC) are anticipated to be of great biomedical importance for studies of disease and development, and to advance clinical deliberations for stem cell transplantation. Eleven hESC lines were established by nuclear transfer (SCNT; NT) of skin cells from patients with disease or injury into donated oocytes. These lines (NT-hESCs), grown on human feeders from the same NT-donor or genetically-unrelated individuals, were established at high rates, regardless of NT-donor sex or age. NT-hESCs were pluripotent, chromosomally normal, and match NT-patient's DNA. Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) identity of each NT-hESC with the patient's showed immunological compatibility, important for eventual transplantation. With the generation of these NT-hESCs, evaluations of genetic and epigenetic stability can be made. Additional work remains regarding the development of reliable directed differentiation and the elimination of remaining animal components. Prior to clinical use of these cells, preclinical evidence is required to prove that transplantation of differentiated-NT-hESCs can be safe, effective and tolerated.