Abstract: Mononuclear phagocytes derived from induced pluripotent stem cells, denoted as iMPs, which comprise monocytes generated from the induced pluripotent stem cells and optionally further macrophages generated from the induced pluripotent stem cells, are provided for use in improving cognitive function, improving neural health, and/or alleviating or treating a neurodegenerative disorder in a mammal In various embodiments, the iMPs produce macrophages after transplantation or after being stimulated in vitro, and/or express macrophage markers. We showed that iMPs upon administration improve cognition and neural healthy in rodent models of aging, Alzheimer's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Treatment methods are also provided using mononuclear phagocytes generated from autologous stem cells or from induced pluripotent stem cells obtained from autologous cells in patients in need of treatment or prophylaxis of a neurodegenerative disorder.

Abstract: A method of creating a multicellular blood-brain barrier model is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises culturing primary brain microvascular endothelial cells or embryonic stem cell-derived endothelial cells upon a permeable support in the presence of neural progenitor cells.

Abstract: A method of creating a multicellular blood-brain barrier model is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises culturing primary brain microvascular endothelial cells or embryonic stem cell-derived endothelial cells upon a permeable support in the presence of neural progenitor cells.

Abstract: A method of creating a multicellular blood-brain barrier model is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises culturing primary brain microvascular endothelial cells or embryonic stem cell-derived endothelial cells upon a permeable support in the presence of neural progenitor cells.