Abstract: An IVF system for successfully utilizing spermatozoa separated into X-chromosome bearing and into Y-chromosome bearing population for insemination. The IVF system includes fertilization medium that can shorten the time from insemination to cleavage and a portable incubator for the transportation of maturing oocytes and inseminated oocytes comprising a straw (19) and an incubation element (20) that can be sealed with a cap (22).

Abstract: An in vitro or ex vivo method of producing a population of lineage committed haematopoietic progenitor or mature haematopoietic cells other than cells of the neutrophil lineage, including the steps of providing a population of haematopoietic progenitor cells; and culturing the haematopoietic progenitor cells in an animal cell culture medium including one or more cytokines that differentiate the haematopoietic progenitor cells into lineage committed haematopoietic progenitor and/or mature haematopoietic cells, under static conditions until the cells are at a cell density at which oxygen transfer via the surface of the culture medium is insufficient for growth of the progenitor cells and progeny thereof under static conditions, and then agitating the culture medium to produce a population of lineage committed haematopoietic progenitor or mature haematopoietic cells other than cells of the neutrophil lineage.

Abstract: This invention relates to culture-expanded T suppressor cells derived from CD25?CD4+ T cells, and their use in modulating immune responses. This invention provides methods of producing culture-expanded T suppressor cells, which are antigen specific, and their use in modulating autoimmune diseases and transplantation rejection.

Abstract: High efficient methods for producing an antibody molecule that binds an antigen are described. The methods include obtaining a population of PBMC enriched for CD19highCD3negCD20low to negCD38highCD27high cells from a mammal exposed to an antigen from sample of cells enriched for PBMC. The cells are isolated from a sample obtained at a time that the fraction of PBMC expressing antibody reactive to the antigen is at a high level. Sequences encoding heavy and light chain variable domains are prepared in a manner that allow production of molecules with natural heavy and light chain pairing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and to vectors for the immortalisation of cells independent of their type. It further relates to a cell or a cell line produced with the method or the vectors of the invention. The invention also relates to the use of this cell or cell line in in vitro applications and in the treatment of disease.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides ex vivo-derived mineralized three-dimensional bone constructs. The bone constructs are obtained by culturing osteoblasts and osteoclast precursors under randomized gravity vector conditions. Preferably, the randomized gravity vector conditions are obtained using a low shear stress rotating bioreactor, such as a High Aspect Ratio Vessel (HARV) culture system. The bone constructs of the disclosure have utility in physiological studies of bone formation and bone function, in drug discovery, and in orthopedics.

Abstract: A very safe and useful agent for inhibiting fungal growth and the like are provided by the present invention. Specifically, the present invention provides (1) an agent for inhibiting fungal growth comprising hyaluronic acid or a salt thereof excluding a heavy metal salt as the active ingredient, and a method for inhibiting fungal growth, which comprises at least a step of allowing hyaluronic acid or a salt thereof excluding a heavy metal salt to contact with a fungus, (2) an agent for reinforcing activity of inhibiting fungal growth possessed by a cell, which comprises a DNA encoding a hyaluronic acid synthase as the active ingredient, (3) a method for reinforcing activity of inhibiting fungal growth of a cell, which comprises at least a step of transfecting a DNA encoding a hyaluronic acid synthase into the cell, and (4) a method for inhibiting fungal growth, which comprises at least a step of allowing a cell transfected with a DNA encoding a hyaluronic acid synthase to contact with a fungus.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions, systems, and tools for modeling liver inflammation and methods of using the same. The disclosure provides micropatterned hepatocyte co-cultures where individual cell populations remain functionally stable during long-term culture. The in vitro liver inflammation models of the present disclosure may be useful for evaluating inflammation-mediated toxicities of compounds in a pre-clinical setting.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of stem cells and, more particularly, to reprogramming blood cells to pluripotent stem cells. In a specific embodiment, a method for producing an induced pluripotent stem cell from a human myeloid progenitor cell comprising the steps of (a) activating the human myeloid progenitor cell by incubation with hematopoietic growth factors; (b) transfecting the activated progenitor cells with a non-viral vector expressing one or more pluripotency factors; and (c) co-culturing the transfected cells with irradiated mesenchymal bone marrow stromal cells.

Abstract: A method for efficiently preparing blood cells, such as mature megakaryocytes and platelets, from iPS cells is achieved in an in vitro culture system. A sac-like structure encloses hematopoietic progenitor cells, which is obtained by inoculating iPS cells onto feeder cells and then culturing the iPS cells under conditions suitable for inducing the differentiation of hematopoietic progenitor cells. Moreover, a method for producing various types of blood cells, comprises culturing hematopoietic progenitor cells enclosed in the sac-like structure under conditions suitable for inducing the differentiation of blood cells. Furthermore, a method for producing various types of blood cells, particularly megakaryocytes and platelets, is achieved without involving the sac-like structure.

Abstract: A method of enriching mesenchymal precursor cells including the step of enriching for cells based on at least two markers. The markers may be either i) the presence of markers specific for mesenchymal precursor cells, ii) the absence of markers specific for differentiated mesenchymal cells, or iii) expression levels of markers specific for mesenchymal precursor cells. The method may include a first solid phase sorting step utilising MACS recognising expression of the antigen to the STRO-1 Mab, followed by a second sorting step utilising two colour FACS to screen for the presence of high level STRO-1 antigen expression as well as the expression of VCAM-1.

Abstract: The invention involves the discovery that if dendritic cells loaded with a tumor antigen are cultured in interleukin-15 (IL-15), or if T cells activated by the dendritic cells are cultured in IL-15, Treg activity that is specific for the tumor antigen is reduced. This reduction in Treg activity results in an increase in anti-tumor immune response. Another embodiment of the invention involves the discovery that incubating dendritic cells with a MAP kinase inhibitor in combination with IL-15 gives synergistic benefits when the dendritic cells are used to activate T cells. Dendritic cell and T cell compositions incubated with IL-15 or a MAP kinase inhibitor are provided.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to calcium-containing structures and methods of making and using the structures. In one aspect, hollow calcium containing microstructures are used in conjunction with bone tissues/by-products to augment bone defects and extend the supply of bone tissues/by-products for bone augmentation. Bonding agents, such as calcium cements, are also used in the preparation of the hollow calcium microstructures combined with bone tissues/by-products or for use in preparing the hollow microstructures. The calcium-containing microstructures of the present invention are also useful as delivery vehicles of nitric oxide and/or nitric oxide containing or producing compounds for a variety of in vitro and in vivo uses. Calcium containing contoured substrates upon which cells/tissues can be grown in vitro for replacement and repair of tissues in vivo that conform in size and shape to the tissue surface to be replaced are also provided.

Abstract: In vitro 2-dimensional co-culture systems of LT-HSCs and osteoblastic niche cells and methods of establishing them are provided. For example, in certain aspects methods of screening people suffering from a disorder caused by dysfunction of osteoblastic niche cells, using said co-culture systems are described. In further aspects, methods for screening a candidate substance for treatment of a disorder caused by dysfunction of osteoblastic niche cells are provided. The present invention also concerns methods and therapeutic compositions of treating a patient suffering from a disorder caused by dysfunction of osteoblastic niche cells.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a composition that comprises co-culture of small embryonic-like stem cells and mesenchymal stem cells, where cell media is reduced or lacking in exogenously supplied growth factors, as well as compositions of growth media that result from, or are manufactured by, co-culture of at least two types of different cells. Also provided are methods for selecting cell media that meet criteria pertaining to cell migration (gap assays) and to confluence.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of detecting viable epithelial cells in a sample. The method includes isolating the sample comprising cells from a patient and culturing the cells for a time sufficient for an epithelial cell-specific marker to be released from the cells. The marker includes a substantially full-length cytokeratin. The method further includes detecting the released marker. Detection of the marker indicates the presence of disseminated epithelial cells. Methods are also directed to identifying disseminated epithelial tumor cells.

Abstract: Single chain trimer (SCT) molecules are disclosed, comprising an MHC antigen peptide sequence, a ?2-microglobulin sequence and a full-length MHC class I heavy chain sequence, joined by linker sequences. Further described are nucleic acids encoding single chain trimers. Methods for expansion of antigen-specific T cell populations using single chain trimer molecules are also disclosed. In some configurations, these methods comprise co-culturing, in a first stage, CD8+ T cells from a donor with antigen presenting cells comprising an MHC antigen peptide, and co-culturing, in a second stage, the CD8+ T cells with cells comprising an SCT which has an MHC antigen peptide sequence identical to the sequence of the antigen peptide in the first stage. The methods can provide 10,000-100,000 fold expansion of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells within about 28 days after establishing culture, and can yield over 1 billion antigen-specific CD8+ T cells expanded from an individual donor.

Abstract: Cell lines, compositions comprising them for the treatment of melanomas, procedures to prepare the compositions, and treatment methods. More particularly, the invention relates to diverse human melanoma cell lines for the treatment of malignant diseases, wherein the cell lines are: (a) Mel-XY1 (deposited at German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures DSMZ under access number DSM ACC2830), (b) Mel-XY2 (deposited at German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures DSMZ under access number DSM ACC2831), (c) Mel-XY3 (deposited at German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures DSMZ under access number DSM ACC2832), (d) Mel-XX4 (deposited at German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures DSMZ under access number DSM ACC2829), or (e) sub-populations thereof. The cell lines may be irradiated, thus obtaining populations with apoptotic phenotype, and populations with necrotic phenotype of such lines.

Abstract: The process in general is based on taking a sample of skin and a sample of blood from the patient and based on these two elements skin is cultured, being placed on a collagen patch to produce a dressing which is subsequently placed on the patient requiring same.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for differentiating tissue resident multipotent mesenchmal stromal cells (MSCs) such as adipose tissue resident MSCs into a hematopoietic lineage are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for promoting the self-renewal of adult stem cells, comprising ?-catenin or notch ligand-overexpressed mesenchymal stromal cells. Further, the present invention relates to a method for promoting the self-renewal of adult stem cells by co-culturing adult stem cells with the mesenchymal stromal cells. Furthermore, the present invention relates to ?-catenin or notch ligand-overexpressed mesenchymal stromal cells for promoting the self-renewal of adult stem cells.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the manufacture of microtissues, comprising the steps of: providing a biomaterial substrate; simultaneously seeding a plurality of dermal papilla (DP) cells and keratinocytes on the substrate surface with a predetermined ratio and cellular density; co-culturing for a predetermined period; and carrying the keratinocytes to the substrate surface by the dermal papilla cells, aggregating and finally form a plurality of keratinocyte-dermal papilla cell microtissues, wherein the dermal papilla cells are located in a center of the microtissue and the keratinocytes are sorted to a surface of the microtissue, and the keratinocytes are adult keratinocytes. The method can help to simply and economize the procedures for production of folliculoid microtissues with high-throughput. Once microtissues are transplanted to skin of subject, hair follicles can be regenerated.

Abstract: The compositions and methods of the present invention comprise the efficient and effective presentation of antigens to the appropriate components of the immune system resulting in the production of species-specific antibodies in vitro. In general, these compositions comprise one or more antigenic components together with a colloidal metal, optionally combined with derivatized PEG (polyethylene glycol) or other agents. The invention also comprises methods and compositions for making such colloidal metal compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new three-dimensional co-culture method of podocytes and endothelial cells, and a relative co-culture system. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of said co-culture system as an in vitro study model of pathologies affecting the kidneys, and in particular the renal glomerular filtration barrier.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a pancreatic islet transplantation technique that enables increase of graft survival rate of pancreatic islets after pancreatic islet transplantation, to maintain survival of pancreatic islets, and to reduce the number of transplanted pancreatic islets required for normalizing blood glucose level. When performing pancreatic islet transplantation, by transplanting pancreatic islets and adipose tissue-derived stem cells together, it is possible to significantly improve graft survival rate of transplanted pancreatic islets, and reduce by half the number of transplanted pancreatic islets required for normalizing blood glucose level.

Abstract: The invention relates to scaffold-free three dimensional nerve fibroblast constructs and method of generating the nerve fibroblast constructs. The invention also relates to methods or repairing nerve transection and replacing damaged nerve tissue using the nerve fibroblast constructs of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the fields of reproductive medicine. More specifically, the present invention relates to a novel human embryo co-culture system to improve human embryo growth in vitro and, consequently, increase pregnancy rates in infertile women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method of growing an embryo to a blastocyst stage of development comprising the step of coculturing said embryo in the presence of a population of cumulus cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a combination of placental stem cells and stem or progenitor cells derived from a second source, wherein the combination shows improved engraftment as compared to placental stem cells or stem cells from a second source, alone. The combination is referred to as a combined stem cell population. The invention also provides in vitro and in vivo methods for identifying and producing combined stem cell populations, and models of engraftment. In accordance with the present invention, the placental stem cells may be combined with, e.g., umbilical cord blood-derived stem or progenitor cells, fetal or neonatal stem cells or progenitor cells, adult stem cells or progenitor cells, hematopoietic stem cells or progenitor cells, stem or progenitor cells derived from bone marrow, etc.

Abstract: A device, and method of making the device, capable of therapeutic treatment and/or for in vitro testing of human skin. The device may be used on skin wounds for burned, injured, or diseased skin, and provides structures and functions as in normal uninjured skin, such as barrier function, which is a definitive property of normal skin. The device contains cultured dermal and epidermal cells on a biocompatible, biodegradable reticulated matrix. All or part of the cells may be autologous, from the recipient of the cultured skin device, which advantageously eliminates concerns of tissue compatibility. The cells may also be modified genetically to provide one or more factors to facilitate healing of the engrafted skin replacement, such as an angiogenic factor to stimulate growth of blood vessels.

Abstract: It is disclosed a method for obtaining a specific tumor antigen peptide repertoire loaded and/or activated dendritic cell comprising the steps of: a) exposing in suitable conditions a tumor cell expressing said specific tumor antigen peptide repertoire to at least one Pattern Recognition Receptor (PRR) agonist and/or to an inflammatory cytokine to obtain a tumor cell with an increased activity of at least one protein belonging to the group of connexins; b) co-culturing said tumor cell with an increased activity of at least one protein belonging to the group of connexins with dendritic cells, to get specific tumor antigen peptide repertoire loaded and/or activated dendritic cells; Step a) and b) are performed simultaneously or in sequence. The group of connexins preferably consists of connexin 43, connexin 40, connexin 45, connexin 47, connexin 50.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for enhancing the survival and promoting the maturation of mammalian oocytes, zygotes and preimplantation embryos. BDNF or BDNF agonists may be administered to an individual, or to cells in vitro, to enhance cellular maturation, embryo growth and fertilization. Accordingly, compositions comprising BDNF are herein presented for use in promoting in vivo oocyte maturation as well as for use as a component in culture media for promoting preimplantation maturation of zygotes and embryos, for instance, for use with in vitro fertilization procedures and for the production of stem cells. Additionally, compounds that interfere with the binding of BDNF to its receptor may be administered to an individual to prevent oocyte maturation, thereby acting as a contraceptive. The BNDF receptor, TrkB, and BDNF also find use in the screening and design of agonists and antagonists for use in the methods of the invention.

Abstract: A device and method for analyzing cells includes a housing with a chamber, a barrier supported by a frame disposed within the chamber, and a plate arranged at a bottom surface of the housing interior of the chamber. The plate is adapted to receive and sustain cells and the barrier separates the plate into at least two contiguous separate areas. In some embodiments, a thin rubber strip is arranged at the bottom edge of the barrier, which facilitates control of the area in which each cell type is grown, the size of the gap between the cells, and helps prevents over growth of the two cell types on to each other.

Abstract: This invention relates to the culture of dendritic cells from human embryonic stem (ES) cells. Human ES cells are first cultured into hematopoietic cells by co-culture with stromal cells. The cells now differentiated into the hematopoietic lineage are then cultured with GM-CSF to create a culture of myeloid precursor cells. Culture of the myeloid precursor cells with the cytokines GM-CSF and IL-4 causes functional dendritic cells to be generated. The dendritic cells have a unique phenotype, as indicated by their combination of cell surface markers.

Abstract: The present invention comprises compositions and methods for making monoclonal antibodies. The present invention further comprises vectors that replicate the immune system components, particularly an antigen-presenting cell (APC) element of the immune synapse. Additionally, the present invention may further comprise synthetic T-cells.

Abstract: Isolated peptides derived from SEQ ID NO: 21 and fragments thereof that bind to an HLA antigen and induce cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and thus are suitable for use in the context of cancer immunotherapy, more particularly cancer vaccines, are described herein. The inventive peptides encompass both the above mentioned amino acid sequences and modified versions thereof, in which one, two, or several amino acids are substituted, deleted, inserted or added, provided such modified versions retain the requisite HLA binding and/or CTL inducibility of the original sequences. Further provided are nucleic acids encoding any of the aforementioned peptides as well as pharmaceutical agents, substances and/or compositions that include or incorporate any of the aforementioned peptides or nucleic acids.

Abstract: An improved method of culturing cells for cell therapy applications that includes growing desired cells in the presence of antigen-presenting cells and/or feeder cells and with medium volume to surface area ratio of up to 1 ml/cm2 if the growth surface is not comprised of gas permeable material and up to 2 ml/cm2 if the growth surface is comprised of gas permeable material. The desired cells are at a surface density of less than 0.5×106 cells/cm2 at the onset of a production cycle, and the surface density of the desired cells plus the surface density of the antigen presenting cells and/or feeder cells are at least about 1.25×105 cells/cm2.

Abstract: Provided are a cell sheet and a three-dimensional structure thereof that include at least mesenchymal stem cells and myoblasts isolated from a cell culture support and that are to be applied to heart disease. Use of the cell sheet and the three-dimensional structure thereof including mesenchymal stem cells and myoblasts can notably improve cardiac functions compared with a conventional technology, i.e., use of cell sheets composed of myoblasts only or mesenchymal stem cells only. Furthermore, the cell sheet itself has high strength, and the transplantation procedure is also improved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for culturing stem cells, such that neuronal differentiation can be achieved.

Abstract: Isolated peptides derived from SEQ ID NO: 42 and fragments thereof that bind to an HLA antigen and induce cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and thus are suitable for use in the context of cancer immunotherapy, more particularly cancer vaccines, are described herein. The inventive peptides encompass both the afore-mentioned amino acid sequences and modified versions thereof, in which one, two, or several amino acids are substituted, deleted, inserted or added, provided such modified versions retain the requisite HLA binding and/or CTL inducibility of the original sequences. Further provided are nucleic acids encoding any of the aforementioned peptides as well as pharmaceutical agents, substances and/or compositions that include or incorporate any of the aforementioned peptides or nucleic acids.

Abstract: Disclosed are cells, compositions, and methods for treating liver diseases.

Abstract: Herein is reported a method for obtaining a B-cell comprising the following steps a) labeling B-cells, b) depositing the labeled B-cells as single cells, c) co-cultivating the single cell deposited B-cells with feeder cells, d) selecting a B-cell proliferating and secreting IgG in step c) and thereby obtaining a B-cell. The labeling can be of IgG+CD19+-B-cells, IgG+CD38+-B-cells, IgG+CD268+-B-cells, IgG?CD138+-B-cells, CD27+CD138+-B-cells or CD3?CD27+-B-cells. The method can comprise the step of incubating said B-cells at 37° C. for one hour in EL-4 B5 medium prior to the depositing step. The method can also comprise the step of centrifuging said single cell deposited B-cells prior to the co-cultivation. In the co-cultivation a feeder mix comprising interleukin-1beta, and tumor necrosis factor alpha and Staphylococcus aureus strain Cowans cells or BAFF or interleukin-2 and/or interleukin-10 and/or interleukin-6 and/or interleukin-4 can be used.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling the survival, proliferation, and/or differentiation of hepatic progenitors in vitro by using specific types of mesenchymal feeder cells or one of more of the paracrine signals produced by those feeders.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions for making erythroid progenitor cells that comprise in vitro-activated bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and embryoid bodies (EBs) or pluripotent stem cells, and methods for making and using them, including ameliorating (e.g., preventing or treating) anemia and/or stimulating erythropoiesis. In one embodiment, the invention provides methods of increasing propensity of committed stem cell differentiation towards the erythroid lineage.

Abstract: There is provided inter alia a method for the preparation and/or generation of immunomodulatory cells which comprises contacting a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) and/or fibroblast cell population with peripheral blood leukocytes for between about 2 hours and about 25 days.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides, nucleic acids and cells for use in immunotherapeutic methods. In particular, the present invention relates to the immunotherapy of cancer. The present invention furthermore relates to tumor-associated cytotoxic T cell (CTL) peptide epitopes, alone or in combination with other tumor-associated peptides that serve as active pharmaceutical ingredients of vaccine compositions that stimulate anti-tumor immune responses. The present invention relates to 95 novel peptide sequences and their variants derived from HLA class I molecules of human tumor cells that can be used in vaccine compositions for eliciting anti-tumor immune responses.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for generating relevant in vitro models of engineered innervated tissue, as well as uses of such tissues.

Abstract: There is provided a method of culturing a stem cell on extracellular matrix extracted from support cells and in a stem cell culture medium comprising medium conditioned by the support cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for assisted reproduction technology in mammals. Specifically the invention relates to methods for in vitro mammalian oocyte culture and oocyte maturation, in vitro fertilization, and in vitro embryo development.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-genetic, detergent-free, bacteria-free method for reprogramming a eukaryotic cell, in particular for obtaining induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS), by using engineered microvesicles carrying at least one reprogramming transcription factor, wherein said engineered microvesicles are virus-free.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for transiently immortalizing cells according to which immortalization proteins are introduced into the cells from outside. The invention also relates to a method for producing cells according to which organ-related cells are transiently immortalized by the exogenous supply of immortalization proteins and are remortalized after their expansion. The invention further relates to the cells produced according to the inventive method, to the use of said cells for producing a transplant and to the immortalization proteins used in the method.