DIFFERENTIATION OF HUMAN EMBRYONIC STEM CELLS IN AVIAN EMBRYOS

摘要

The invention relates to a method of preparing from human embryonic stem cells, differentiated cells suitable for transplantation, by introducing human embryonic stems cells into an avian host embryo. Also provided is a method of directing the differentiation of human embryonic stem cells by introducing them into a selected location in an avian host embryo, which dictates their differentiation pattern. The invention provides normal, transplantable differentiated human cells, e.g. progenitor and other cells, particularly neural cells. The invention also relates to therapeutic and diagnostic methods employing the differentiated cells of the invention.