Down-regulation of Ga1 alpha(1,3)Gal expression by alpha 1,2-fucosyltransferase - Further characterization of alpha 1,2-fucosyltransferase transgenic mice

Background. In pig-to-primate transplantation, antibody-mediated hyperacute rejection is the consequence of binding of natural antibodies to Gal alpha(1,3)Gal on pig endothelium. The elimination of the Gal alpha(1,3)Gal antigen from pig cells should prevent hyperacute rejection, Using in vitro techniques, we have previously reported that using the alpha 1,2-fucosyltransferase gene induces the preferential expression of H substance with a concomitant reduction in the expression of Gal alpha(1,3)Gal, The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of expressing the alpha 1,2-fucosyltransferase gene in vivo on Gal alpha(1,3)Gal. Methods. Three alpha 1,2-fucosyltransferase transgenic lines of mice were produced and characterized serologically and histologically. Results, Immunohistological studies showed heavy staining for H substance in liver, spleen, kidney, and heart, with a reduction in staining for Gal alpha(1,3)Gal. In addition, there was a reduction in the binding of human anti-Gal alpha(1,3)Gal antibody to lymphocytes from alpha 1,2-fucosyltransferase transgenic mice and a substantial decrease in complement-mediated cytolysis of alpha 1,2-fucosyltransferase transgenic lymphocytes when compared with that obtained with normal mice. Conclusions. The findings have important implications, in that alpha 1,2-fucosyltransferase transgenic pigs could be produced as a source for humans, Such pigs should have a reduced expression of Gal alpha(1,3)Gal.