Human-animal chimeras in biomedical research

Cell Stem Cell. 2007 Sep 13;1(3):259-62. doi: 10.1016/j.stem.2007.07.021. Epub 2007 Aug 23.

Abstract

Chimeras are individuals with tissues derived from more than one zygote. Interspecific chimeras have tissues derived from different species. The biological consequences of human-animal chimeras have become an issue of ethical debate. Ironically, human-animal chimeras with human blood, neurons, germ cells, and other tissues have been generated for decades. This has facilitated human biological studies and therapeutic strategies for disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomedical Research*
  • Chimera*
  • Embryonic Stem Cells / transplantation
  • Germ Cells / transplantation
  • Humans
  • Neurons / transplantation
  • Transplantation, Heterologous