13 Oct 2026
LMU researchers have overturned a decades-old model: Genetically modified cattle embryos can establish a successful pregnancy even without interferon tau and develop into healthy calves.
For decades, researchers have assumed that a protein called interferon tau (IFNT) is essential for pregnancy in cattle. Produced by the early embryo, it was thought to signal to the mother to prevent hormonal changes that would otherwise end the pregnancy.
In a recent study published in Nature Communications, LMU researchers now challenge this established model. Cattle embryos that completely lack IFNT can indeed initiate and sustain a pregnancy, even resulting in the birth of healthy calves.
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