Key points from article :
Scientists genetically modified pluripotent stem cells to avoid immune rejection.
This could enable stem cell-based therapies for diseases like Type 1 diabetes and macular degeneration.
Using CRISPR technology (genetic scissors), the team located and removed specific genes involved in immune rejection.
Modified stem cells were successfully persisted in mice with full-functioning immune systems.
"...a chance of being able to perform pluripotent stem cell-based transplants without immune suppressing the person." -Deepta Bhattacharya, principal investigator.
Potential for "universal" stem cell lines applicable to many patients.
Next step involves testing the technology in animal models for Type 1 diabetes.
Clade Therapeutics to begin clinical trials by the end of the year for the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases.
Study by University of Arizona, published in Stem Cell Reports.
