Neonatal immune-tolerance in mice does not prevent xenograft rejection

Assessing the efficacy of human stem cell transplantation in rodent models is complicated by the significant immune rejection that occurs. Two recent reports have shown conflicting results using neonatal tolerance to xenografts in rats. Here we extend this approach to mice and assess whether neonatal tolerance can prevent the rapid rejection of xenografts. In three strains of neonatal immune-intact mice, using two different brain transplant regimes and three independent stem cell types, we conclusively show that there is rapid rejection of the implanted cells. We also address specific challenges associated with the generation of humanized mouse models of disease. •Immune-rejection after xenotransplantation into the neonatal mouse brain•Neonatal mouse desensitization does not promote subsequent adult graft survival.•Immune-rejection is independent of neural progenitor source (ESC, iPSC, fetal).•Combined, this data points to the absence of murine neonatal immunity induction.