In this study, to resolve these issues, we attempted to employ a cell sheet engineering technology for experimental hepatocyte transplantation. The human iPS-HLC sheets were attached onto the liver surfaces of mice with liver injury.
This method reduced unexpected engraftment in organs other than the liver compared to that by intrasplenic transplantation. Human albumin levels in the mice with human iPS-HLC sheets were significantly higher than those in the intrasplenically-transplanted mice, suggesting the high potential for cell engraftment of the sheet transplantation procedure. In addition, human iPS-HLC sheet transplantation successfully ameliorated lethal acute liver injury induced by the infusion of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Moreover, we found that the hepatocyte growth factor secreted from the human iPS-HLC sheet played an important role in rescuing of mice from acute hepatic failure.
Human iPS-HLC sheet transplantation would be a useful and reliable therapeutic approach for a patient with severe liver diseases.