BACKGROUND Transplantation of embryonic pig pancreatic tissue as a source of insulin has been suggested for the cure of diabetes. However, previous limited clinical trials failed in their attempts to treat diabetic patients by transplantation of advanced gestational age porcine embryonic pancreas. In the present study we examined growth potential, functionality, and immunogenicity of pig embryo...

Article history: Received 14 August 2008 Accepted 20 January 2009 Available online 7 February 2009 JEL classification: E42 E52 E63

OBJECTIVE Defining an optimal costimulatory blockade-based immune suppression protocol enabling engraftment and functional development of E42 pig embryonic pancreatic tissue in mice. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Considering that anti-CD40L was found to be thrombotic in humans, we sought to test alternative costimulatory blockade agents already in clinical use, including CTLA4-Ig, anti-LFA1, an...

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