Induction of local immunosuppression in allogeneic cell transplantation by cell-type-specific expression of PD-L1 and CTLA4Ig
Wenliang Zhu, Mengqi Li, Jun Zou, Da Zhang, Minghui Fang, Yun Sun, Can Li, Mingming Tang, Yu–Kai Wang, Qi Zhou, Tongbiao Zhao, Wei Li, Zheng Hu, Baoyang Hu
Abstract
Immune rejection has long hindered allogeneic cell transplantation therapy. Current genetic modification approaches, including direct targeting of major histocompatibility complex or constitutive expression of immune inhibitory molecules, exhibit drawbacks such as severe adverse effects or elevated tumorigenesis risks. To overcome these limitations, we introduce an innovative approach to induce cell-type-specific immune tolerance in differentiated cells. By engineering human embryonic stem cells, we ensure the exclusive production of the immune inhibitory molecules PD-L1/CTLA4Ig in differentiated cells. Using this strategy, we generated hepatocyte-like cells expressing PD-L1 and CTLA4Ig, which effectively induced local immunotolerance. This approach was evaluated in a humanized mouse model that mimics the human immune system dynamics. We thus demonstrate a robust and selective induction of immunotolerance specific to hepatocytes, improving graft survival without observed tumorigenesis. This precise immune tolerance strategy holds great promise for advancing the development of stem cell-based therapeutics in regenerative medicine.