Patent · US Expired

Pigs and pig cells having an inactivated α 1,3-galactosyl transferase gene

US6849448B1 · kind B1 · utility

34Cited by
2References
8Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateDec 4, 1997
Grant dateFeb 1, 2005
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 4, 2017

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
  • CPC primaryC12N2800/30
  • WIPO fieldPharmaceuticals
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

Human pre-formed xenoantibodies play an important role in the hyperacute rejection response in human xenotransplantation. Disclosed are materials and methods for removing or neutralizing such antibodies. Also disclosed are materials and methods for reducing or eliminating the epitopes in the donor organs that are recognized by such antibodies. Such epitopes are formed as the result of activity by the enzyme α-1,3 galactosyltransferase. The porcine gene encoding α-1,3 galactosyltransferase is disclosed, as are materials and methods for inactivating (“knocking out”) the α-1,3 galactosyltransferase gene in mammalian cells and embryos. Included are nucleic acid constructs useful for inactivating the α-1,3 galactosyltransferase gene in a target cell. Also disclosed is a novel leukemia inhibitory factor (T-LIF) that is useful for maintenance of embryonic stem cells and primordial germ cells in culture.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.