Abstract: A method of differentiating adult stem cells, such as those derived from a teratocarcinoma cell line, the Ntera2/D1 clone (NT2). The developed cells exhibit a stable neurotransmitter phenotype without the required use of growth factors or retinoic acid in differentiation process, which may be difficult to completely remove during commercial production. An identification of specific neurotransmitters is possible in these differentiated NT2-derived neurons (NT2-N) after 30 days in culture or 30 days survival in vivo. The invention includes a method to stably differentiate neuronal stem/precursor cells to a neuronal phenotype for use in cell replacement therapy for neurodegenerative disease, stroke or spinal cord injury. At least four different types of neurons are produced from this method of differentiation: dopaminergic, cholinergic, GABAergic and glutaminergic.

Abstract: A method of differentiating adult stem cells, such as those derived from a teratocarcinoma cell line, the Ntera2/D1 clone (NT2). The developed cells exhibit a stable neurotransmitter phenotype without the required use of growth factors or retinoic acid in differentiation process, which may be difficult to completely remove during commercial production. An identification of specific neurotransmitters is possible in these differentiated NT2-derived neurons (NT2-N) after 30 days in culture or 30 days survival in vivo. The invention includes a method to stably differentiate neuronal stem/precursor cells to a neuronal phenotype for use in cell replacement therapy for neurodegenerative disease, stroke or spinal cord injury. At least four different types of neurons are produced from this method of differentiation: dopaminergic, cholinergic, GABAergic and glutaminergic.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to methods to enhance the therapeutic effects of cell therapy in various diseases and disorders. More particularly, the present invention provides methods of inducing systemic immune tolerance, thereby reducing or eliminating the need for systemic immunosuppression, by administering isolated Sertoli cells to an individual in need of treatment, wherein the isolated Sertoli cells are administered to the individual prior to or during administration of the therapy, e.g., cellular therapy.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a biological chamber system having a biochamber defined by outer walls of Sertoli cells. Also provided is a transplantation facilitator including a biochamber. A method of making biochambers by co-culturing facilitator cells and therapeutic cells and then aggregating the facilitator celes is also provided. Also provided is a method of transplanting cells by incorporating transplant cells into a biochamber and transplanting the biochamber containing the transplant cells.

Abstract: A method of enhancing the viability of cryopreserved cells is culturing Sertoli cells in media to produce preconditioned media and adding the preconditioned media to the cells to be cryopreserved. The cells are then cryopreserved. Alternatively, a method of enhancing the viability of cryopreserved cells is co-culturing Sertoli cells and cells to be cryopreserved in media and cryopreserving both.

Abstract: A method to increase viability, number, survival and maturation of cells for transplantation or cryopreservation by culturing the cells with Sertoli cells or with sertoli-cell conditioned media (SCM) prior to transplantation (pre-culturing) or cryopreservation.