Abstract: This disclosure provides a technology for making a dendritic cell vaccine suitable for high volume manufacturing and distribution. Human stem cells are differentiated in a multi-step protocol to generate cell populations bearing a dendritic cell phenotype. The cells are loaded by pulsing with a specific tumor antigen, or by activation of an inducible transgene. The primed dendritic cells are powerful components of a vaccination strategy to elicit an immune response against tumor-associated antigens like telomerase. Vaccines and reagent combinations prepared according to this invention can be used on demand as off-the-shelf products for treating cancer.

Abstract: Telomerase reverse transcriptase is part of the telomerase complex responsible for maintaining telomere length and increasing the replicative capacity of progenitor cells. Telomerase activity is turned off in mature differentiated cells, but is turned back on again in hyperplastic diseases, including many cancers. This disclosure provides regulatory elements that promote transcription in cells that express telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT).

Abstract: This invention provides a system for producing differentiated cells from a stem cell population for use wherever a relatively homogenous cell population is desirable. The cells contain an effector gene under control of a transcriptional control element (such as the TERT promoter) that causes the gene to be expressed in relatively undifferentiated cells in the population. Expression of the effector gene results in depletion of undifferentiated cells, or expression of a marker that can be used to remove them later. Suitable effector sequences encode a toxin, a protein that induces apoptosis; a cell-surface antigen, or an enzyme (such as thymidine kinase) that converts a prodrug into a substance that is lethal to the cell. The differentiated cell populations produced according to this disclosure are suitable for use in tissue regeneration, and non-therapeutic applications such as drug screening.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a technology for making a dendritic cell vaccine suitable for high volume manufacturing and distribution. Human stem cells are differentiated in a multi-step protocol to generate cell populations bearing a dendritic cell phenotype. The cells are loaded by pulsing with a specific tumor antigen, or by activation of an inducible transgene. The primed dendritic cells are powerful components of a vaccination strategy to elicit an immune response against tumor-associated antigens like telomerase. Vaccines and reagent combinations prepared according to this invention can be used on demand as off-the-shelf products for treating cancer.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a technology for making a dendritic cell vaccine suitable for high volume manufacturing and distribution. Human stem cells are differentiated in a multi-step protocol to generate cell populations bearing a dendritic cell phenotype. The cells are loaded by pulsing with a specific tumor antigen, or by activation of an inducible transgene. The primed dendritic cells are powerful components of a vaccination strategy to elicit an immune response against tumor-associated antigens like telomerase. Vaccines and reagent combinations prepared according to this invention can be used on demand as off-the-shelf products for treating cancer.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a system for improving survival of cells obtained by differentiating human embryonic stem cells, upon transplantation into a subject for regenerative medicine. Transplanted cells that don't survive normally send out signals that exacerbate the rejection response of the host, which in turn leads to further cell destruction. This invention helps allografts survive and benefit the subject by blocking this signal pathway.

Abstract: A composition for genetic manipulation which comprises a liposome comprised of lipid material, and adeno-associated viral (AAV) material. Typically, the AAV material is plasmid, and comprises a terminal repeat of the AAV genome. Methods are disclosed for introducing genetic material into cells by use of AAV liposomes. Accordingly, genetic material was introduced and integrated into stem cells, T cells, primary tumor cells, or tumor cell lines.

Abstract: A composition for genetic manipulation which comprises a liposome comprised of lipid material, and adeno-associated viral (AAV) material. Typically, the AAV material is plasmid, and comprises a terminal repeat of the AAV genome. Methods are disclosed for introducing genetic material into cells by use of AAV liposomes. Accordingly, genetic material was introduced and integrated into stem cells, T cells, primary tumor cells, or tumor cell lines.

Abstract: A composition for genetic manipulation which comprises a liposome comprised of lipid material, and adeno-associated viral (AAV) material. Typically, the AAV material is plasmid, and comprises a terminal repeat of the AAV genome. Methods are disclosed for introducing genetic material into cells by use of AAV liposomes. Accordingly, genetic material was introduced and integrated into stem cells, T cells, primary tumor cells, or tumor cell lines.