Abstract: MHC class II-restricted Chlamydia-specific CD4 T cell clones recognize infected upper reproductive tract epithelial cells as early as 12 hours post infection. The timing and degree of T cell activation are dependent on the interferon milieu. Different interferons have different effects on T-cell activation; interferon IFN-? blunts IFN-? induced up regulation of epithelial cell surface MHC class II and T cell activation. A subset of CD4 T-cells that was especially good at clearing Chlamydia infections from the genital tracts of infected mice was found to express the genes Casd1 and Plac8. The mouse Casd1 genes shares some 95 percent identity with the human gene. The differential expression of either Plac8 or Casd1 in COD cells in response to an infection of epithelial tissue provides a ready methodology for the identification of individuals exposed to epithelial infections and a tool for developing vaccines against pathogens that infect epithelial tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of cancer treatment, particularly to a novel constructs useful for treating tumors expressing H19 and/or IGF-II. More specifically, the invention provides compositions and methods utilizing a nucleic acid construct enabling expression of a cytotoxic gene product directed by more than one tumor specific promoter.

Abstract: Cell-based compositions and methods of their use to inhibit an adverse immune response such as graft versus host disease or rejection of transplanted tissue in a transplant recipient that is histocompatibility mismatched to the transplant donor are disclosed. The compositions and methods utilize postpartum-derived cells, such as cells derived from the placenta or umbilicus.

Abstract: Oogonial stem cell (OSC)-derived compositions, such as nuclear free cytoplasm or isolated mitochondria, and uses of OSC-derived compositions in autologous fertility-enhancing procedures are described.

Abstract: The invention provides nucleic acid and polypeptide sequences encoding antibody based scaffolds such as full antibodies, antibody Fab fragments, single chain antibodies, soluble VEGF receptor-Fc fusion proteins, and/or anti-angiogenic PDGF receptors. Also encompassed are cell lines encoding such anti-angiogenic antibody scaffolds, VEGF receptors, and/or PDGF receptors. The invention also provides encapsulated cell therapy devices that are capable of delivering such anti-angiogenic antibody scaffolds, VEGF receptors, and/or PDGF receptors as well as methods of using these devices to deliver the anti-angiogenic antibody scaffolds, VEGF receptors, and/or PDGF receptors to medically treat disorders in patients, including ophthalmic, vascular, inflammatory, and cell proliferation diseases.

Abstract: A method for generating a nuclear reprogrammed cell in accordance with the present invention includes the step of: introducing, into a somatic cell, (i) at least one gene selected from the group consisting of a gene encoding histone H2aa or a homologue thereof, a gene encoding histone H2ba or a homologue thereof, and a gene encoding a phosphorylation-mimic form of histone chaperon Npm2 or a phosphorylation-mimic form of a homologue of Npm2, and (ii) a nuclear reprogramming factor.

Abstract: The invention relates to stems cells derived from bone marrow, and uses thereof in tissue regeneration.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing primate retinal progenitor cells, comprising culturing primate embryonic stem cells as suspended aggregates in a serum-free medium, and obtaining retinal progenitor cells from the culture. The present invention further provides a method of producing photoreceptor precursor cells, comprising culturing isolated retinal progenitor cells differentiated from embryonic stem cells, under adhesive conditions, in the presence of a gamma secretase inhibitor, and obtaining a photoreceptor precursor from the culture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing large amounts of human growth factors from human adipose-derived stem cells. More specifically, the invention provides a method capable of synthesizing human growth factors in significantly large amounts by culturing adipose-derived stem cells extracted from human adipose cells in suitable media and conditions. Also, stem cell culture media produced according to the method of the invention, and human growth factors isolated from the culture media, can be advantageously used as raw materials for drugs and cosmetics.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods of use in reprogramming somatic cells. Compositions and methods of the invention are of use, e.g., for generating or modulating (e.g., enhancing) generation of induced pluripotent stem cells by reprogramming somatic cells. The reprogrammed somatic cells are useful for a number of purposes, including treating or preventing a medical condition in an individual. The invention further provides methods for identifying an agent that reprograms somatic cells to a pluripotent state and/or enhances the speed and/or efficiency of reprogramming. Certain of the compositions and methods relate to modulating the Wnt pathway.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a recombinant pseudotyped viral vector particle wherein a cell is transfecting with (i) at least one vector construct; (ii) at least one packaging construct; and (iii) an expression construct encoding a chimeric glycoprotein encoded by a nucleic acid comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 to yield a producer cell, followed by culturing the producer cell in a medium; and separating the producer cell from the medium to recover the recombinant viral vector particle from the medium. Vectors obtained in this manner have significantly higher titers than vectors coated with the parental non-chimeric glycoprotein.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a system for producing pancreatic islet cells from embryonic stem cells. Differentiation is initiated towards endoderm cells, and focused using reagents that promote emergence of islet precursors and mature insulin-secreting cells. High quality populations of islet cells can be produced in commercial quantities for use in research, drug screening, or regenerative medicine.

Abstract: The present invention provides a preparation of undifferentiated embryonic stem (ES) cells sustainable for a prolonged period in an undifferentiated state which will undergo stem cell renewal or somatic differentiation. Preferably the cells are capable of somatic differentiation in vitro and are inclined to differentiate away from an extraembryonic lineage. The present invention also provides method of culturing embryonic stem (ES) cells to improve stem cell maintenance and persistence in culture. The method also provides a culture of ES cells prepared by the method as well as differentiated cells derived from the embryonic cells resulting from directed differentiation procedures provided by the present invention.

Abstract: Improving cell therapy and tissue regeneration in a patient suffering from a cardiovascular or a neurological disease by treating a tissue of the patient with shock waves and/or applying to the patient a therapeutically effective amount of stem cells and/or progenitor cells. Such treatment increases expression of chemoattractants, pro-angiogenic factors, and pro-survival factors. The chemoattractants can be, for example, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) or stromal cell derived factor 1 (SDF-1). For example, the treated tissue can be located in the patient's heart or in a skeletal muscle of the patient, and the shock waves can be extracorporeal shock waves (ESW) or intracorporeal shock waves. The cardiovascular disease can have an ischemic or non-ischemic etiology. For example, the cardiovascular disease can be a myocardial infarction, ischemic cardiomyopathy, or a dilatative cardiomyopathy. For example, the neurological disease can be a peripheral neuropathy or neuropathic pain.

Abstract: Provided herein are mitochondrial-nuclear exchanged cells and animals comprising mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from one subject and nuclear DNA (nDNA) from a different subject. Methods for producing a mitochondrial-nuclear exchanged animal and animals made by the methods are provided. Also provided are methods of screening for agents useful for treating a disease or disorder using mitochondrial-nuclear exchanged animals or cells, tissues or organs thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the generation of a mucin-producing cell using stem/progenitor cells obtained from the amniotic membrane of umbilical cord and therapeutic uses of such mucin-producing cells.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of identifying inhibitors of gene silencing or re-silencing, which can include repressing expression of a selectable marker gene in mammalian cells, treating the cells with at least one test compound, growing the cells under selective conditions, and quantifying the relative number of cells that live, wherein a change in the relative number of cells as compared to cells that were not treated with the test compound, identifies the compound as an inhibitor of gene silencing or re-silencing. Also disclosed herein are transgenic mice and isolated cell lines that are useful in the disclosed methods and kits for use in performing the disclosed methods.

Abstract: We disclose a method of preparing a conditioned cell culture medium, the method comprising the steps of: (a) culturing a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC), a descendent thereof or a cell line derived therefrom in a cell culture medium; and (b) optionally isolating the cell culture medium; in which the mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) is obtained by propagating a cell obtained by dispersing a embryonic stem (ES) cell colony, or a descendent thereof, in the absence of co-culture in a serum free medium comprising FGF2.

Abstract: This invention provides a system for producing differentiated cells from a stem cell population for use wherever a relatively homogenous cell population is desirable. The cells contain an effector gene under control of a transcriptional control element (such as the TERT promoter) that causes the gene to be expressed in relatively undifferentiated cells in the population. Expression of the effector gene results in depletion of undifferentiated cells, or expression of a marker that can be used to remove them later. Suitable effector sequences encode a toxin, a protein that induces apoptosis; a cell-surface antigen, or an enzyme (such as thymidine kinase) that converts a prodrug into a substance that is lethal to the cell. The differentiated cell populations produced according to this disclosure are suitable for use in tissue regeneration, and non-therapeutic applications such as drug screening.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a transgenic pig in which immune rejection response is inhibited, and in which human HO-1 genes and TNFR1-Fe fusion genes are simultaneously expressed. The present invention also relates to a transgenic pig for organ transplantation, which is produced by the method, and in which immune rejection response is inhibited. The present invention also relates to a somatic-cell-donating cell strain for producing the transgenic pig, and to a method for producing organs, from the transgenic pig, in which the immune rejection response is inhibited.