Generation of thymic epithelial cells in mouse by blastocyst injection of induced pluripotent stem cells / 实用医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To examine an in vivo method for the differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into thymic epithelial cells (TECs) in mice. Methods Green fluorescent protein-expressing iPS cells, derived from C57BL/6 mice, were injected into blastocysts from ICR mice. Chimeric blastocysts were then transferred into uteri of E2.5 pseudopregnant mice. Chimeric mouse could be identified by coat color 10 days after birth. The chimeric thymus was transplanted under the renal capsule of BALB/c nude mice. The spleen was cut out from the thymus-transplanted nude mice and the cells were dispersed and analyzed by a flow cytometer 4 weeks after transplantation. Results Chimeras were born 17 days after embryo transfer and 13 live-born chimeras were obtained. The contribution of iPSC-derived cells in the chimeras ranged from 5% to at most 90%. Typical thymic epithelium structure consisted of green fluorescent protein-expressing cells in chimera. The iPSCs-derived thymic epithelial cells could support the generation of new T cells. Conclusion The results indicate that mouse iPS cells can differentiate in vivo towards normally functioning TECs.