Abstract: The present invention is related to the discovery that serpina3n, a secreted protein, binds to and inhibits granzyme B activity. The invention thus provides cells that include a polynucleotide encoding a granzyme B inhibitory serpin, pharmaceutical compositions including a granzyme B inhibitory serpin or a polynucleotide encoding a granzyme B inhibitory serpin, methods for treating a patient in need of immunosuppression by administration of a granzyme B inhibitory serpin, and methods of transplanting cells (e.g., islet cells) expressing a granzyme B inhibitory serpin.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of Sertoli cells and myoid cells for creating an immunologically privileged site in a mammalian subject, thereby facilitating the transplantation of cells that produce a biological factor in the treatment of a disease that results from a deficiency of such biological factor. Pharmaceutical compositions containing Sertoli cells and myoid cells, as well as therapeutic methods relating to the use of these cells are provided by the present invention.

Abstract: A system for storing a plurality of cryopreservable samples is provided, comprising a liquid nitrogen Dewar flask having a substantially circular opening of diameter X defined therein, the Dewar flask containing therein a plurality of Dewar flask-compatible storage racks, each storage rack comprising at least one substantially rectangular container, having a first set of opposite sides in substantially perpendicular relationship with a second set of opposite sides, the first set of opposite sides and the second set of opposite sides defining an inner space therebetween, and a plurality of strips, located in the inner space and each in contact with at least one side, formed in substantially parallel relationship with the first set of opposite sides, the plurality of strips forming a plurality of storage slots in the inner space, wherein at least one of the plurality of storage slots contains a cassette containing therein a cryopreservable sample.

Abstract: A method for bulk cryopreservation of biological material includes the steps of providing a flexible container, such as a freezer bag, containing biological material that is treated with a cryoprotectant and freezing the biological material to below -100.degree. C. and preferably below -196.degree. C. for deep freeze long-term storage. In the preferred embodiment, the bag is placed in a holder that maintains the cross-sectional area of the bag essentially constant and small enough (e.g., about 5 mm width to facilitate uniform heat transfer to and from all regions the bag. This facilitates uniform nucleation of the biological material after supercooling which enables controlled and uniform slow cooling through from about -7.5.degree. C. to a temperature in the range of about -40.degree. C. to -80.degree. C., thereby maintaining the viability of the cells.