KNOCK OUT OF ??1,3-GALACTOSYLTRANSFERASE OR EXPRESSION OF??1,2-FUCOSYLTRANSFERASE FURTHER PROTECTS CD55- AND CD59-EXPRESSING MOUSE HEARTS IN AN EX VIVO MODEL OF XENOGRAFT REJECTION

Abstract

We used an ex vivo model to demonstrate that eliminating alphaGal expression further prolongs the function of mouse hearts expressing high levels of CD55 and CD59. In addition, we showed that reducing alphaGal by expressing HTF is equally as effective in prolonging CD55/CD59 heart function as knocking out Gal transferase, thus providing a feasible strategy for translating these advances to the pig.