The ability to transplant cells, tissues or organs is limited by the MHC compatibility between donor and recipient. If there is a perfect match between all MHC antigens, the transplant is accepted. If all the MHC antigens are mismatched, the transplant is rejected. This is especially true for transplants between species.


The purpose of MATCH is to generate banks of multi-potential stem cells with limited and predetermined expression of specific antigens that cause graft rejection. Stem cells, whether mesenchymal stem cells, placental cord blood stem cells, hematopoietic stem cells or embryonic stem cells are genetically reprogrammed in the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) region. MATCH alters the tissue compatibility of a stem cell by deleting the MHC genes and then replacing the genetic locus with predetermined variations (haplotypes).


Cells, tissues and organs generated by MATCH will have the advantage of being able to overcome immune rejection without jeopardizing their ability to present antigens to combat pathogenic organisms. This approach to cell therapy and tissue transplantation could ultimately resolve the donor shortage and transplant rejection issues in a scientifically feasible, socially acceptable, and economically viable manner by creating a "supermarket" of cell genotypes, which will be compatible with virtually any person needing cells or tissue to replace diseased or damaged organs.


The complex genetic vectors, animal models and human cell banks are currently being developed under several collaborative agreements.