Biotechnology firm Hematech this month reported that it has succeeded in creating genetically modified calves that carry human genes.
The company inserts the gene for human heavy and light chain antibody genes into bovine fetal fibroblast cells. This is accomplished by knocking out both copies of the bovine immunoglobulin gene to reduce the level of bovine antibodies circulating in the blood of the animals so that detectable levels of human antibodies remain.
Another problem the company will have to face is genetically engineering the animals to prevent the possibility of transmitting prion diseases such as Mad Cow’s. The company plans on creating genetically modified cattle that lack the genes necessary to produce prion proteins. Hematech CEO James Barton told InPharma.Com,
If live animals are produced form these embryos [lacking the genes necessary to produce prion proteins] they will be prion free and thus unable to contract mad cow disease. These animals will be ideal for the production of the company’s fully human polyclonal antibodies.
Details of Hematech’s research in knocking out the bovine immunoglobulin gene is scheduled to be published in Nature Genetics.
Source:
Cattle antibody production moves a step closer. InPharma.Com, June 3, 2004.