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Genetic modification of pigs for long term tolerance of xenotransplanted organs

Summary

Xenotransplantation of animal-derived tissues into human patients is a promising potential solution to the worldwide shortage of donor organs. However, severe immune response and rejection of the transplanted tissue by the patient’s body remains a critical barrier to xenotransplantation. Inducing mixed chimerism, where hematopoietic cells from the donor animal are introduced into the patient to ensure immune tolerance for the transplanted organ, is an attractive approach. However, because hematopoiesis is a tightly regulated process involving species-specific receptor-ligand interactions, transplanted cells are at a competitive disadvantage and, along with the immune tolerance they confer, are gradually lost. This technology improves upon this approach by genetically modifying the donor species to express human receptors and/or ligands to overcome this competitive disadvantage and ensure life-long chimerism and immune tolerance of xenotransplanted organs.

Technology Benefits

Obviates the need for life-long immunosuppression after xenotransplantationIncreases available supply of organs for humansImproves long-term bone marrow function in mixed xenogeneic chimerism proceduresPatent Information:Patent Pending (WO/2016/154299)Tech Ventures Reference: IR CU15125

Technology Application

Method for improving tolerance of xenotransplanted tissues in humansResearch tool for immunology and transplantation studies

Detailed Technology Description

None

*Abstract

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*Inquiry

Jerry KokoshkaColumbia Technology VenturesTel: (212) 854-8444Email: TechTransfer@columbia.edu

*IR

CU15125

*Principal Investigator

*Publications

Li HW, Vishwasrao P, Hölzl MA, Chen S, Choi G, Zhao G, Sykes M. “Impact of Mixed Xenogeneic Porcine Hematopoietic Chimerism on Human NK Cell Recognition in a Humanized Mouse Model” Am J Transplant. 2016 Jul 12; Epub ahead of print

Country/Region

USA