Method for treating and rendering grafts nonthrombogenic and substantially nonimmunogenic using an extracellular matrix coating

Abstract

The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for immunomodifying a graft so that it is nonthrombogenic and substantially nonimmunogenic when transplanted into a recipient. In an ex vivo process, the lumenal surfaces of blood vessels comprising the vasculature within the graft are coated with an extracellular matrix, or membrane synthesized therefrom, that renders the surface substantially nonimmunogenic and nonthrombogenic to the recipient, while maintaining the viability of the donor graft vascular endothelial cells remaining underneath the coating. In addition, the extracellular matrix may provide a surface, exposed to the lumen, that can support efficient re-endothelialization with vascular endothelial cells allogeneic or preferably autologous with respect to the recipient receiving the graft.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.