Abstract: Human pre-formed xenoantibodies play an important role in the hyperacute rejection response in human xenotransplantation. Disclosed are materials and methods for removing or neutralizing such antibodies. Also disclosed are materials and methods for reducing or eliminating the epitopes in the donor organs that are recognized by such antibodies. Such epitopes are formed as the result of activity by the enzyme ?-1,3 galactosyltransferase. The porcine gene encoding ?-1,3 galactosyltransferase is disclosed, as are materials and methods for inactivating (“knocking out”) the ?-1,3 galactosyltransferase gene in mammalian cells and embryos. Included are nucleic acid constructs useful for inactivating the ?-1,3 galactosyltransferase gene in a target cell. Also disclosed is a novel leukemia inhibitory factor (T-LIF) that is useful for maintenance of embryonic stem cells and primordial germ cells in culture.

Abstract: Human pre-formed xenoantibodies play an important role in the hyperacute rejection response in human xenotransplantation. Disclosed are materials and methods for removing or neutralizing such antibodies. Also disclosed are materials and methods for reducing or eliminating the epitopes in the donor organs that are recognized by such antibodies. Such epitopes are formed as the result of activity by the enzyme ?-1,3 galactosyltransferase. The porcine gene encoding ?-1,3 galactosyltransferase is disclosed, as are materials and methods for inactivating (“knocking out”) the ?-1,3 galactosyltransferase gene in mammalian cells and embryos. Included are nucleic acid constructs useful for inactivating the ?-1,3 galactosyltransferase gene in a target cell. Also disclosed is a novel leukemia inhibitory factor (T-LIF) that is useful for maintenance of embryonic stem cells and primordial germ cells in culture.

Abstract: Human pre-formed xenoantibodies play an important role in the hyperacute rejection response in human xenotransplantation. Disclosed are materials and methods for removing or neutralizing such antibodies. Also disclosed are materials and methods for reducing or eliminating the epitopes in the donor organs that are recognized by such antibodies. Such epitopes are formed as the result of activity by the enzyme &agr;-1,3 galactosyltransferase. The porcine gene encoding &agr;-1,3 galactosyltransferase is disclosed, as are materials and methods for inactivating (“knocking out”) the &agr;-1,3 galactosyltransferase gene in mammalian cells and embryos. Included are nucleic acid constructs useful for inactivating the &agr;-1,3 galactosyltransferase gene in a target cell. Also disclosed is a novel leukemia inhibitory factor (T-LIF) that is useful for maintenance of embryonic stem cells and primordial germ cells in culture.

Abstract: A method for the cryopreservation of oocytes or embryos, which comprises centrifugation of oocytes or embryos to polarize cytoplasmic lipid outside the oocyte or embryonic cells, subjecting the oocytes or embryos to low temperature conditions in the presence of a cryoprotectant which results in freezing of the oocytes or embryos prior to lipid depolarization, followed by low temperature storage of the frozen lipid polarized oocytes or embryos are described, as are oocytes and embryos produced according to such methods, and methods for producing live animals.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for evaluating the acceptability of a device for the delivery of cells in a cell implantation therapy comprising: determining a first rate of cell survival in a stable environment, evaluating a second rate of survival during a procedure using a device that manipulates cells, and comparing the first and second rates of survival to determine the effect of the device used during the procedure on cell survival rates to establish a base line effect of the manipulative procedure on cell survivability. That method may be practiced wherein after determining the second survival rate, modifying the design of the device, evaluating a third rate of survival after modifying the design of the device to determine if the change has increased the rate of survival during the procedure. The method is particularly effective where the procedure is selected from the group consisting of cell harvesting, cell transport, cell implantation, and cell delivery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to modified and variant forms of Interleukin-5 molecules capable of antagonizing or reducing the activity of IL-5 and their use in ameliorating, abating or otherwise reducing the aberrant effects caused by native or mutant forms of IL-5.