Abstract: A use of a composition comprising an SDF-1 peptide having the sequence KGVSLSYR is taught. The composition can be used to purge an ex vivo hematopoietic stem cell culture of cancer cells for engraftment in a mammal by administering the composition to the ex vivo hematopoietic stem cell culture in an effective amount.

Abstract: A use of a composition comprising an SDF-1 peptide having the sequence KGVSLSYR is taught. The composition can be used in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of a blood cancer in a mammal by administering the medicament in a therapeutically effective amount.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method that permits the differential isolation of mouse mammary stem cells and colony forming cells (CFCs). The method involves depletion of non-epithelial cells from freshly dissociated mouse mammary tissue by incubation with an antibody composition containing antibodies specific for CD45, Ter119, CD35 and optionally CD140a. After formation of conjugates between the non-epithelial mammary cells and the antibodies specific for CD45, Ter119, CD35 and optionally CD140a, the cell conjugates are removed and the remaining epithelial cells are then incubated with an antibody composition containing antibodies specific for CD24 and CD49f or CD24 and CD14. After formation of conjugates between the epithelial cells and the antibodies specific for CD24 and CD49f or CD24 and CD14, the mouse mammary stem and the luminal-restricted CFC cells can be differentially isolated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method that permits the differential isolation of mouse mammary stem cells and colony forming cells (CFCs). The method involves depletion of non-epithelial cells from freshly dissociated mouse mammary tissue by incubation with an antibody composition containing antibodies specific for CD45, Ter119, CD35 and optionally CD140a. After formation of conjugates between the non-epithelial mammary cells and the antibodies specific for CD45, Ter119, CD35 and optionally CD140a, the cell conjugates are removed and the remaining epithelial cells are then incubated with an antibody composition containing antibodies specific for CD24 and CD49f. After formation of conjugates between the epithelial cells and the antibodies specific for CD24 and CD49f, the mouse mammary stem and the luminal-restricted CFC cells can be differentially isolated. The invention also relates to kits for carrying out this method and to the cell preparations prepared by this method.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a peptide consisting of an amino acid sequence derived from a P2G-substituted SDF-1 protein are taught. The amino acid sequence consists of a first sequence consisting of 8 to 17 amino acids from the N-terminal portion of the SDF-1 protein and having a conserved KGVS motif. The amino acid sequences may also consist of one or more optional components selected from the group consisting of a second sequence consisting of 8 to 17 amino acids from the N-terminal portion of the SDF-1 protein and having a conserved KGVS motif, wherein the second sequence is covalently joined to the first sequence with or without a linker; and, a third sequence consisting of LKWIQEYLEKALN, or conservative substitutions thereof, wherein the third sequence is covalently joined to the first sequence with the linker. Methods of increasing multiplication of hematopoietic cells and enhancing proliferation of hematopoietic cells during engraftment are also taught.

Abstract: In accordance with various aspects of the invention, CXCR4 antagonists may be used to treat hematopoietic cells, such as progenitor or stem cells, to promote the rate of cellular multiplication, self-renewal, proliferation or expansion. CXCR4 antagonists may be used therapeutically to stimulate hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell multiplication/self-renewal.

Abstract: In accordance with various aspects of the invention, CXCR4 agonists, including SDF-1 polypeptides and SDF-1 polypeptide homologues, may be used in reducing the rate of hematopoietic cell multiplication. Methods of the invention may comprise administration of an effective amount of an CXCR4 agonist to cells selected from the group consisting of hematopoietic stem cells and hematopoietic progenitor cells. Cells may be treated in vitro or in vivo in a patient. A therapeutically effective amount of the CXCR4 agonist may be administered to a patient in need of such treatment. Patients in need of such treatments may include, for example patients requiring bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cell transplantation.

Abstract: Two novel populations of human short term repopulating cells are described. In particular, The inventors have shown that sublethally irradiated NOD/SCID-b2M−/− mice allow the efficient engraftment of two previously undescribed populations of human short term repopulating cells (STRC) that do not produce detectable progeny in the more widely used NOD/SCID mouse. These novel cells are designated short term repopulating cells—myeloid (STRC-M) and short term repopulating cells—lympho-myeloid (STRC-ML) to reflect their different lineage potentials. The invention includes an assay for detecting STRC-M and STRC-ML which is useful in a wide range of applications including assessing of the engraftment potential of human hematopoietic cells, testing the toxicity of drugs on hematopoietic cells and in assessing the viability of hematopoietic cells that have been stored and processed.

Abstract: In accordance with various aspects of the invention, CXCR4 agonists, including SDF-1 polypeptides and SDF-1 polypeptide homologues, may be used in reducing the rate of hematopoietic cell multiplication. Methods of the invention may comprise administration of an effective amount of an CXCR4 agonist to cells selected from the group consisting of hematopoietic stem cells and hematopoietic progenitor cells. Cells may be treated in vitro or in vivo in a patient. A therapeutically effective amount of the CXCR4 agonist may be administered to a patient in need of such treatment. Patients in need of such treatments may include, for example patients requiring bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cell transplantation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antibody composition which contains antibodies specific for glycophorin A, CD2, CD3, CD14, CD15, CD16, CD19, CD24, CD56, CD66b and IgE antigens. A negative selection process is also provided for use on blood and bone marrow samples from a patient with chronic myeloid leukemia to recover cell preparations depleted of lineage committed cells. The invention also relates to kits for carrying out this process and to the cell preparations prepared by the process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antibody composition which contains antibodies directed to murine leukocyte and murine erythroid cells. This composition is used in a novel negative selection process to enrich for human hematopoietic cells from a sample from human-murine chimeric mice. The invention also relates to kits for carrying out this process.

Abstract: In accordance with various aspects of the invention, CXCR4 agonists, including SDF-1 polypeptides and SDF-1 polypeptide homologues, may be used in reducing the rate of hematopoietic cell multiplication. Methods of the invention may comprise administration of an effective amount of an CXCR4 agonist to cells selected from the group consisting of hematopoietic stem cells and hematopoietic progenitor cells. Cells may be treated in vitro or in vivo in a patient. A therapeutically effective amount of the CXCR4 agonist may be administered to a patient in need of such treatment. Patients in need of such treatments may include, for example patients requiring bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cell transplantation.

Abstract: In accordance with various aspects of the invention, CXCR4 antagonists may be used to treat hematopoietic cells, such as progenitor or stem cells, to promote the rate of cellular multiplication, self-renewal, proliferation or expansion. CXCR4 antagonists may be used therapeutically to stimulate hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell multiplication/self-renewal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an antibody composition which contains antibodies directed to murine leukocyte and murine erythroid cells. This composition is used in a novel negative selection process to enrich for human hematopoietic cells from a sample from human-murine chimeric mice. The invention also relates to kits for carrying out this process.