Abstract: The present invention relates to in vitro three-dimensional organotypic cell co-culture. Cultures of the invention comprise tumour cells three-dimensionally disposed within a matrix of matrix cells which are distinct from the tumour cells, wherein the co-culture does not comprise a basement membrane. The cultures are useful for the study of cancers, for testing anti-tumour agent efficacy, and for high-throughput screening of candidate drugs.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of encapsulates of cancer cells, in agarose coated, agarose containing beads, for isolating chemotherapeutic resistant cells which have at least one stem cell property, such as expression of OCT4. The cells thus isolated are also a feature of the invention, as is a method for screening for potential therapeutic agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing human mast cells from human pluripotent stem cells. More particularly, the present invention provides a method for producing human mast cells from human pluripotent stem cells, comprising the steps of: (a) culturing human pluripotent stem cells under a condition suitable for promoting differentiation of the human pluripotent stem cells into hematopoietic progenitor cells expressing CD34; and (b) culturing the cells obtained in step (a) in the presence of hematopoietic factors comprising thrombopoietin (TPO) and Flt3 ligand.

Abstract: The present invention has as its object developing a method that does not involve genomic modification and which yet is capable of inducing cell death in pluripotent stem cells such as embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells, as well as in differentiated cells other than cardiomyocytes derived from pluripotent stem cells, but not in cardiomyocytes. It has been revealed that by establishing a method capable of inducing cell death in cells other than cardiomyocytes in a very efficient manner by adding a substance having no recognized inherent toxicity or cell death inducing action to the culture conditions for pluripotent stem cells and non-cardiomyocytes, the stated problem can be solved without relying upon genomic modification.

Abstract: Self-renewing endodermal progenitor lines generated from human pluripotent stem cells and methods of use thereof are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of constructing an integrated artificial immune system that comprises appropriate in vitro cellular and tissue constructs or their equivalents to mimic the normal tissues that interact with vaccines in mammals. The artificial immune system can be used to test the efficacy of vaccine candidates in vitro and thus, is useful to accelerate vaccine development and testing drug and chemical interaction with the immune system.

Abstract: There is described a group of novel self-assembling peptides (SAPs), comprising biotinylated and unbiotinylated sequences, hybrid peptide-peptoid sequences, branched sequences for a total of 48 tested motifs, showing a heterogeneous ensemble of spontaneously self-assembled structures at the nano- and microscale, ranging from short tabular fibers to twisted ribbons, nanotubes and hierarchical self-assembled micrometer-long sheets. Specifically, the SAPs according to the present invention which initially spontaneous assemble, surprisingly form stable solid scaffolds upon exposure to neutral pH buffer. Further these SAPs allow adhesion, proliferation and differentiation of murine and human neural stem cells and have self-healing propensity. They also did not exert toxic effects in the central nervous system, can stop bleeding and foster nervous regeneration.

Abstract: A major object of the present invention is to provide a method for inducing cell differentiation into corneal epithelial stem cells and/or corneal epithelial cells, for the easy production of a corneal epithelial cell sheet having superior safety in view of the possibility of vascularization and the like occurring. A method for inducing differentiation of a pluripotent stem cell into a corneal epithelial stem cell and/or a corneal epithelial cell, the method comprising the step of culturing a pluripotent stem cell in the presence of a stromal cell or an amnion-derived factor.

Abstract: A method is provided, including obtaining a population of antigen-presenting cells, enriching a population of stem/progenitor cells within a larger population of cells, activating the population of antigen-presenting cells and, following the activating, inducing at least one process selected from the group consisting of: differentiation, expansion, activation, secretion of a molecule, and expression of a marker, by exposing the enriched stem/progenitor cell population to the population of antigen-presenting cells. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Methods are provided for inducing non-pluripotent cells to become pluripotent. Methods also include identifying and isolating induced pluripotent (iPS) cells and uses thereof. Compositions and kits for carrying out the subject methods are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an in vitro method for priming genetically modified T cells suitable for administration to a patient having a tumor. The invention is also directed to the composition obtained by the method and uses thereof.

Abstract: This application relates to an in vitro method of producing a polyclonal IgG preparation. The method comprises (i) placing a polyclonal B-cell population enriched in IgG-secreting B cells in a culture medium; and (ii) culturing the polyclonal B-cell population under conditions enabling the production of the polyclonal IgG preparation from the polyclonal B-cell population. This improved method enables the production of antibodies (preferably IgG) and facilitates long-term culture of polyclonal B-cell populations.

Abstract: Biocompatible synthetic or natural scaffolds are provided for the reconstruction, repair, augmentation or replacement of organs or tissue structures in a patient in need of such treatment. The scaffolds are shaped to conform to at least a part of the organ or tissue structure and may be seeded with one or more cell populations. Inserts, receptacles and ports are also provided for the attachment of tubular vessels to the neo-organ scaffolds. The seeded scaffolds are implanted into the patient at the site in need of treatment to form an organized organ or tissue structure. The scaffolds may be used to form organs or tissues, such as bladders, urethras, valves, and blood vessels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for preparing an artificial immune system. The artificial immune system comprises a cell culture comprising T cells, B cells and antigen-primed dendritic cells. The artificial immune system of the present invention can be used for in vitro testing of vaccines, adjuvants, immunotherapy candidates, cosmetics, drugs, biologics and other chemicals.

Abstract: Disclosed are engineered, living, three-dimensional connective tissue constructs comprising connective tissue cells. In some embodiments, the connective tissue cells are derived from multi-potent cells such as mesenchymal stem/stromal cells. In some embodiments, the cells are cohered to one another. In some embodiments, the multi-potent cells have been exposed to one or more differentiation signals to provide a living, three-dimensional connective tissue construct. In some embodiments, the constructs are substantially free of pre-formed scaffold at the time of use. Also disclosed are implants for engraftment, arrays of connective tissue constructs for in vitro experimentation, as well as methods of making the same.

Abstract: The present invention discloses novel dendritic cell maturation-inducing cytokine cocktails, and methods for inducting type-1 polarized dendritic cells in serum-free conditions which enhance the desirable properties of DC1s generated in serum-supplemented cultures. The invention further discloses methods and systems using IFN? and other ligands of the IFN? receptor, in combination with IFN? (or other type I interferons), poly I:C, and other IFN? (and IFN?) inducers to enhance the IL-12-producing properties of dendritic cells. More specifically, the present invention discloses type-1 polarized dendritic cells that have a unique combination of a fully-mature status and an elevated, instead of “exhausted”, ability to produce IL-12p70. allows for the generation of fully-mature DC1s in serum-free AIM-V medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an in vitro method for priming T cells suitable for administration to a patient having a viral infection. The invention is also directed to the composition obtained by the method and uses thereof.

Abstract: One aspect provides a method of forming a mineralized material by co-culturing a epithelial cell, such as ameloblasts, and mesenchymal cells, such as osteoblasts or odontoblasts, in a mineral-stimulating medium. Another aspect provides matrix seeded with epithelial cells and mesenchymal cells and infused with a mineral-stimulating medium capable of forming a mineralized material in the matrix. Methods of manufacturing such compositions and methods of treating mineralization-related conditions are also provided.

Abstract: A method of in vitro maturation of adult human germ line cells in an artificial biological environment, which entails: a) isolating human spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), and optionally purifying the same; and b) co-culturing the isolated and optionally purified SSCs with a suitably adjusted Sertoli cell environment to obtain haploid germ cells.

Abstract: A new method for selecting clones and recloning mammalian cells which are of importance for the production of biopharmaceuticals, preferably hamster or mouse myeloma cells, with a high degree of automation and throughput. The invention relates to methods of depositing and replicating single cell clones of the cells in question. The invention also relates to methods of preparing proteins using cells which have been obtained and replicated by single cell deposition as well as compositions which allow the replication of single cells.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of expanding B cells, and in particularly B10 cells capable of producing IL-10, ex vivo. The methods include incubation of harvested B cells in the presence of IL-21. Compositions comprising the ex vivo expanded B cells and methods of using the expanded B cell-containing compositions to treat diseases or conditions are also provided. Methods of assessing B10 cell function in a subject are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a myocardial sheet using a group of cells derived from embryonic stem cells. This method is characterized by mixing Flk/KDR positive cells, cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells, and mural cells, all derived from embryonic stem cells, and culturing the mixed cells. Furthermore, the myocardial sheet can be used as a therapeutic agent for heart diseases since VEGF is released from the sheet.

Abstract: Methods for inducing, expanding, and/or generating alloantigen-specific regulatory T cells. Alloantigen-specific regulatory T cells can be induced, expanded, and/or generated from naive CD4+CD25? T cells by using CD40-activated B cells. The regulatory T cells can be human T cells. In one embodiment, the alloantigen-specific human regulatory T cells can be CD4highCD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing accessory cells, said accessory cells may themselves be used for preparing activated NK cells that may be used in various therapeutic protocols (e.g. cancer treatment). More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for preparing an accessory cell comprising the steps consisting of i) providing a cell and ii) inhibiting in said cell the expression of a gene encoding for a Killer-Cell Immunoglobulin-like Receptor(s) (KIR) ligand.

Abstract: A method for producing a regenerative hair follicle germ for transplantation, in which a color of hair that grows after transplantation is controlled, includes preparing a first cell mass containing mesenchymal cells; preparing a second cell mass containing epithelial cells; preparing a cell mass containing pigment stem cells; binding the cell mass containing the pigment stem cells to at least one among the first cell mass and the second cell mass, and closely contacting the first cell mass and the second cell mass, at least one of which has been bound to the cell mass containing the pigment stem cells, and culturing them within a support.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for inducing differentiation of pluripotent stem cells into mesodermal cells, comprising the step of culturing pluripotent stem cells in a serum-free medium without forming an embryoid body and without coculturing with cells from a different species.

Abstract: The present invention relates to adenovirus E4ORF1 gene and to endothelial cells engineered to express the E4ORF1 gene. The present invention also relates to uses of the E4ORF1 gene, and cells expressing the E4ORF1 gene, and to compositions comprising the E4ORF1 gene, or comprising cells expressing the E4ORF1 gene.

Abstract: An embryonic stem cell line derived from a nucleus-transferred oocyte prepared by transferring a nucleus of a human somatic cell into an enucleated human oocyte may differentiate into various desired cell types.

Abstract: The invention is directed to novel methods for reducing the number of apoptotic cell deaths in a population of cells undergoing excessive cellular apoptosis. The invention is also directed to novel methods for preventing apoptotic cell death in a population of cells at risk for developing excessive cellular apoptosis. In particular, the invention is directed to novel methods for reducing or preventing excessive cellular apoptosis comprising exposing cells exhibiting or at risk for developing excessive cellular apoptosis to a novel cellular factor-containing composition called Amnion-derived Cellular Cytokine Solution (referred to herein as ACCS), which is obtained from the culturing of Amnion-derived Multipotent Progenitor (AMP) cells, or AMP cells.

Abstract: A method for producing a regenerative organ germ for transplantation includes using regenerative organ germ for transplantation ensuring continuity with a recipient after transplantation and facilitating transplantation procedures. A method for producing a regenerative organ germ provided with a guide for transplantation includes preparing a regenerative organ germ by closely contacting a first cell mass, which substantially consists of mesenchymal cells, and a second cell mass, which substantially consists of epithelial cells, culturing these cell masses within a support, and inserting the guide into the regenerative organ germ.

Abstract: Process for preserving insulin secreting cells intended to be transplanted, including the following steps: introducing an initial volume of culture medium and insulin-secreting cells into a culture container, providing a culture medium source, and replacing, at time intervals below 8 hours, the culture medium in the culture container with culture medium from the source so as to renew the culture medium contained in the container.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is the finding that treatment with a ROCK inhibitor increases proliferation and induces immortalization of primary keratinocytes. Accordingly, provided is a method of immortalizing primary keratinocytes by exposure to a ROCK inhibitor. Also provided are immortalized primary keratinocytes produced by the described method, as well as organotypic tissue equivalents and cell cultures comprising the immortalized primary keratinocytes. Furthermore, ROCK inhibitor-treated cells show a greatly increased ability to support viral DNA replication of both “low risk” and “high risk” HPV genomes, indicating that ROCK inhibitors will be useful for studying the life cycles of a wide range of HPVs.

Abstract: An objective of the present invention is to provide a means for enabling cancer immunotherapy that targets approximately 30% of various cancer patients that highly express forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) among the Japanese, by identifying FOXM1-derived peptides that can activate cancer cell-damaging human killer T cells by binding to HLA-A2. The present invention provides a peptide of (A) or (B) below: (A) a peptide including the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1 to 3; (B) a peptide which includes the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1 to 3, wherein one, two, or several amino acid(s) are substituted, deleted, inserted, and/or added, and wherein the peptide shows cytotoxic (killer) T cell-inducing activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated peptides or the fragments derived from SEQ ID NO: 42, which bind to an HLA antigen and induce cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). The peptides may include one of the above mentioned amino acid sequences with substitution, deletion, or addition of one, two, or several amino acids sequences. The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions including these peptides. The peptides of this invention can be used for treating cancer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a benzamide derivative represented by formula (1): wherein k1 represents an integer from 0-4, m1 represents an integer from 1-100, and n1 represents an integer from 1-6. In addition, R1 represents a hydrocarbon group with 8-22 carbon atoms bonded to an oxygen atom wherein the oxygen atom is bonded to the adjacent ring of said derivative; R2 represents H or a hydrocarbon group with 1-22 carbon atoms bonded to an oxygen atom wherein the oxygen atom is bonded to the adjacent ring of said derivative; R3 represents H or a hydrocarbon group with 1-22 carbon atoms bonded to an oxygen atom wherein the oxygen atom is bonded to the adjacent ring of said derivative; and R2 and R3 are not H at the same time.

Abstract: The present invention provides a rat embryonic stem cell characterized by having the following properties of (a) expressing Oct3/4 gene and Nanog gene, (b) positive for alkaline phosphatase activity, (c) having an embryoid body forming ability, (d) expressing SSEA (Stage-Specific Embryonic Antigen)-1 and SSEA-4, (e) having the same number of chromosomes as does a normal rat cell, (f) capable of being subcultured and holding the undifferentiated state, (g) having in vitro pluripotency, (h) having a potential to differentiate for cells of three embryonic germ lineages, (i) having teratoma formation ability, and (j) having an ability to produce a chimeric rat, a method of establishing the aforementioned rat embryonic stem cell and the like.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention provide methods of treating cancer. Many embodiments provide methods of treating cancer using stem cells. In one embodiment the method comprises removing cancer cells from a patient and culturing the cancer cells in the presence of stem cells under conditions such that the stem cells differentiate into stem cell-derived cancer cells (SCDCC) which can comprise stem cell derived non-invasive and/or invasive cancer cells. An amount of the SCDCC is introduced into the patient sufficient to induce the patient's immune system to produce antibodies which inhibit or destroy the patient's cancer cells. The SCDCC may also be genetically modified to produce various immune stimulating proteins which enhance the patient's immune response to the cancer cells and improves the efficacy of the SCDNIC in treating the patient's cancer.

Abstract: Provided are methods for producing progenitor/precursor cells from a population of initiating cells (ICP) that have a density of less than 1.072 g/ml and at least 25% of which are CD31Bright by in vitro stimulating the ICP with different factors.

Abstract: Methods of producing a three-dimensional, physiologically relevant immune tissue system, including culturing an immune cell and at least one other cell type separately; placing immune cell and the at least one other cell type in a low fluid shear environment for a time period; and co-culturing the cells under conditions selected to produce a three-dimensional immune tissue system with physiologically relevant characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention provides an immunotherapeutic agent and immunotherapy allowing the extension of the survival time of patients with pancreatic cancer. The immunotherapy of the present invention is characterized by comprising the steps of culturing peripheral blood lymphocytes of a patient with pancreatic cancer by stimulating the lymphocytes with an anti-CD3 antibody and an anti-CD52 antibody, thereby to obtain an immunotherapeutic agent, and administering at least four infusions of the resultant immunotherapeutic agent to the same patient, wherein each of the infusions of the immunotherapeutic agent comprises at least 15×109 cells of activated lymphocytes, the percentage of CD3? CD56+ NK cells in the activated lymphocytes is at least 30%, and the administration of the immunotherapeutic agent is begun for the patient who is in at least one state of two or more particular immunocompromised states.

Abstract: The invention provides CD4+CD25? T cells and Tr1-like regulatory T cells (i.e., contact-independent Type 1-like regulatory T cells), processes for their production and their use for regulatory purposes.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the culture of animal pluripotent stem cells and their differentiated progeny cells, tissues, and organs, and nonhuman animal embryos and fetuses.

Abstract: The present invention provides peptides containing the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 16, 17, 30, 31, 34, 36, 37, 40, 41, 45, 49, 55, 57 and 61, as well as peptides containing the above-mentioned amino acid sequences in which 1, 2, or several amino acid(s) are substituted, deleted, inserted or added, but still have cytotoxic T cell inducibility. The present invention also provides drugs for treating or preventing tumors, which drugs containing these peptides. The peptides of the present invention can also be used as vaccines.

Abstract: A 3D organotypic culture which phenocopies aggressive, invasive cancer and methods of use thereof are provided.

Abstract: Methods for isolating and culturing stem cells, making tissue matrix, making matrix infused with stem cells, and methods of stem cell therapy are provided.

Abstract: Cell culture process includes seeding a suitable culture medium with enterocytes and then, after a delay, seeding the medium containing the enterocytes that have begun to proliferate, with goblet cells.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention is directed to methods of expanding hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) comprising culturing the HSCs with Wharton's Jelly mesenchymal stem cells (WJSCs), a cell culture medium that has been conditioned with WJSCs, or a combination thereof, thereby producing a HSC culture; and maintaining the HSC culture under conditions in which the HSCs expand in the culture, thereby expanding the HSCs. In another aspect, the invention is directed to a method of transplanting the expanded HSCs in an individual in need thereof. In yet another aspect, the invention is directed to compositions comprising HSCs and Wharton's Jelly mesenchymal stem cells (WJSCs). The composition can further comprise a cell culture medium that has been conditioned with WJSCs.

Abstract: Disclosed are therapeutic, blood-derived activated leukocyte compositions, methods of making them, and methods of using the compositions to repair or promote the prevention and healing of wounds.

Abstract: A method for producing NK cells from pluripotent stem cells, which includes culturing pluripotent stem cells in a first serum-free medium, aggregating the undifferentiated stem cells to form embryoid bodies, which are cultured to produce hematopoietic precursor cells, and culturing the precursor cells in a serum-free medium to produce the NK cells. Methods for using such NK cells, e.g., in the treatment of cancer and infectious disease are also provided.

Abstract: This invention discloses the use of Heminth Defense Molecules in methods and compositions for modulating immune responses including treating or preventing undesirable or deleterious immune responses.