Aspects of the present invention relate to compositions and methods of reprogramming a somatic cell to give rise to an autologous embryonic stem cell. These methods involve providing a somatic cell of a donor subject, introducing the somatic cell into an embryo of a recipient subject to produce a chimeric embryo, allowing the chimeric embryo to develop further wherein the somatic cell will reprogram, and then selecting an autologous embryonic stem cell that has developed from the somatic cell. The methods and composition of producing pluripotent embryonic stem cells from a donor's own somatic cells invite the possibility of a number of therapeutic applications, including organ transplant and treatment of autoimmune diseases, cancer, and degenerative disorders such as diabetes, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's.