Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for treating and/or preventing autoimmune and/or inflammatory disease. In particular, the present invention provides therapeutics for impairing the expansion and function of autoreactive T cells, NK cells and/or NKT cells, by modulating NKG2D.

Abstract: Crosslinkable compositions are provided that readily crosslink in situ to provide biocompatible, nonimmunogenic crosslinked materials that may be used as adhesive compositions. The compositions comprise collagen and a plurality of crosslinkable components having reactive functional groups thereon, with the functional groups selected so as to enable inter-reaction between the components, i.e., crosslinking. Methods for preparing and using the compositions are also provided. Exemplary uses include tissue augmentation, biologically active agent delivery, bioadhesion, prevention of adhesions following surgery or injury, and coating of surgically acceptable patches and solid implants, the latter including sutures.

Abstract: A bone cement configured to be introduced to a target bone location and allowed to cure includes at least a monomer, and an amount of bone marrow. The resulting cured bone cement includes at least one desired mechanical property that can be tailored to match a like mechanical property of the target bone. The mechanical property can be a material stiffness (Young's modulus) or yield strength.

Abstract: Mesenchymal precursors cells have been isolated from perivascular niches from a range of tissues utilizing a perivascular marker. A new mesenchymal precursor cell phenotype is described characterized by the presence of the perivascular marker 3G5, and preferably also alpha smooth muscle actin together with early developmental markers such as MUC 18, VCAM-1 and STRO-1bri. The perivascular mesenchymal precursor cell is multipotential and is shown to form, vascular tissue, as well as bone marrow dentin and pulp. A method of enriching using cell sorting based on these markers is also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for manipulating hematopoietic stem or progenitor cells, mesenchymal stem cells, epithelial stem cells, neural stem cells and related products through activation of the PTH/PTHrP receptor in neighboring cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of assessing a favourable or, on the contrary, an unfavourable prognosis of a cancer in the subject, which method comprises detecting the presence of a mutated Natural Cytotoxicity-triggering Receptor 3 (NCR3) nucleic acid, an abnormal relative amount of at least one particular Natural Killer p30 (NKp30) RNA transcript isoform, and/or an abnormal Natural Killer p30 (NKp30) expression or activity of at least one particular NKp30 protein isoform in a sample from the subject, the presence of said mutated NCR3 nucleic acid, abnormal relative amount of at least one particular NKp30 RNA transcript isoform, or abnormal expression or activity of at least one particular NKp30 protein isoform being indicative of the prognosis of said cancer in the subject.

Abstract: The inventors have discovered that hematologic disorders, e.g., both neoplastic (hematologic cancers) and non-neoplastic conditions, can be treated by the induction of mixed chimerism using myeloreductive, but not myeloablative, conditioning. Methods of the invention reduce GVHD, especially GVHD associated with mismatched allogeneic or xenogeneic donor tissue, yet provide, for example, significant graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect and the like.

Abstract: Described are malleable medical compositions such as pastes or putties that include solids combined with a liquid carrier. The solids include particulate collagen and particulate demineralized bone matrix. The liquid carrier includes an aqueous medium comprising a polysaccharide. Also described are methods for making and using such medical compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the treatment of multiple myeloma. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for inducing apoptosis in myeloma cells by administration of a K121-like antibody.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining the hematopoietic cytocapacity of a subject comprising the steps of: (a) determining the amount of leukocytes present in a blood sample obtained from a subject, wherein said subject has been subjected to administration of a single dose of G-CSF and has been maintained for a time sufficient to allow mobilization or release of the leukocytes from hematopoietic production and storage tissues and sites of margination into the blood; and (b) determining the hematopoietic cytocapacity by assessing the amount of leukocytes determined in step (a) with the amount of leukocytes which have been mobilized or released in a control subject wherein said control subject is selected from the group consisting of subjects having (i) a high risk for a disease, disorder or complication associated with high-dose cytotoxic chemotherapy and/or hematopoietic cell transplantation, (ii) an intermediate risk for a disease, disorder or complication associated with high-dose cytoto

Abstract: Methods and compositions for modulating an immune response in a subject are provided. Methods include administering to the subject a composition comprising an effective amount of a lymphocyte differentiation factor, e.g., protein A (PA), sufficient to modulate the immune response. Compositions include a lymphocyte differentiation factor, e.g., protein A (PA), in an amount less than 1 ?g.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of forming new blood vessels in diseased or damaged tissue in a subject, methods of increasing blood flow to diseased or damaged tissue in a subject, and methods of increasing angiogenesis in diseased tissue in a subject, which methods comprise: a) isolating autologous bone marrow-mononuclear cells from the subject; and b) transplanting locally into the diseased or damaged tissue an effective amount of the autologous bone-marrow mononuclear cells, thereby forming new blood vessels in the diseased or damaged tissue. The new blood vessels may be capillaries or collateral vessels in ischemic tissue or any site of angiogenesis. Also provided are methods of treating tissue in disease or injury by local transplantation with an effective amount of the autologous bone marrow-mononuclear cells so as to induce vascularization in such diseased tissue.

Abstract: A method for inducing T cell tolerance in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) comprising adding a suppressive composition to said cells.

Abstract: A method for production and delivery of a protein in vivo is described. The method includes steps of inserting a promoter and a gene encoding a protein in a vector, collecting an amount of host cells from a mammal, treating the host cells in vitro with the vector, then introducing the treated cells back to the mammal. In vivo, the treated host cells produce red blood cells and the protein which is contained in the red blood cells. The protein is released into peripheral blood of the mammal through a natural or an induced rupture of the red blood cells to supply the protein to the body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising a chemotactic hematopoietic stem cell product comprising an enriched population of CD34+ cells containing a subpopulation of cells having chemotactic activity, methods of preparing these compositions and use of these compositions to treat or repair vascular injury, including infarcted myocardium.

Abstract: Provided are purified and isolated VEGF-C polypeptides capable of binding to at least one of KDR receptor tyrosine kinase (VEGFR-2) and Flt4 receptor tyrosine kinase (VEGFR-3); analogs of such peptides that have VEGF-C-like or VEGF-like biological activities or that are VEGF or VEGF-C inhibitors; polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides; vectors and host cells that embody the polynucleotides; pharmaceutical compositions and diagnostic reagents comprising the polypeptides; and methods of making and using the polypeptides. Methods of inhibiting endothelial cell proliferation are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for manipulating hematopoietic progenitor cells and related products. In one aspect the invention relates to the use of agents that activate a PTH/PTHrP receptor to enhance the growth and maintenance of hematopoietic progenitor cells in vivo and in vitro, to enhance mobilization of hematopoietic stem cells, to improve the efficiency of targeting cells to the bone marrow, and/or to modulate hematopoietic progenitor cell function.

Abstract: A biocompatible synthetic bone growth composition comprising a fibrillar collagen component and a calcium phosphate component. The composition is formed into particles, and then formed into a unitary article that may be provided at the site of a skeletal defect. An osteoinductive component may be further added, either before or after forming the unitary article. The composition may be formulated as a paste or putty and facilitates bone growth and/or repair.

Abstract: A protocol of activating and administering human blood cells so that bone marrow histology and/or blood cell counts of patients suffering from a plastic anemia approach normal. The protocol includes culturing the blood cells in the presence of a cytokine and an ionophore. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b).

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, improved cell culture medium and kits for promoting hematopoietic and mesenchymal stem and lineage-specific cell proliferation and differentiation by growth in the presence of angiotensinogen, angiotensin I (AI), AI analogues, AI fragments and analogues thereof, angiotensin II (AII), AII analogues, AII fragments or analogues thereof or AII AT2 type 2 receptor agonists, either alone or in combination with other growth factors and cytokines.

Abstract: Compositions including topical formulations comprising secreted products obtained from the culture medium of human umbilical cord stem cells and particular combinations of components therefrom are provided for treatment of various dermatological conditions, such as adverse consequences of aging, wrinkling, altered pigmentation, altered viscoelasticity, and altered thickness, among others. Methods for using the compositions and topical formulations for treating adverse or undesirable dermatological conditions are also provided, as well as preventing the appearance of undesirable dermatological conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for producing immortalized antigen-specific plasma cells and antibodies which include depleting an immunized cell population of CD138-positive cells and activating the depleted cells. The methods may be used to improve the efficiency of obtaining immortalized antigen-specific plasma cells.

Abstract: Methods for inducing antigen-specific T cell tolerance are disclosed. The methods involve contacting a T cell with: 1) a cell which presents antigen to the T cell, wherein a ligand on the cell interacts with a receptor on the surface of the T cell which mediates contact-dependent helper effector function; and 2) an antagonist of the receptor on the surface of the T cell which inhibits interaction of the ligand on the antigen presenting cell with the receptor on the T cell. In a preferred embodiment, the cell which presents antigen to the T cell is a B cell and the receptor on the surface of the T cell which mediates contact-dependent helper effector function is gp39. Preferably, the antagonist is an anti-gp39 antibody or a soluble gp39 ligand (e.g., soluble CD40). The methods of the invention can be used to induce T cell tolerance to a soluble antigen or to an allogeneic cell.

Abstract: There is provided an isolated pluri-differentiated human mesenchymal progenitor cells (MPCs), a method for isolating and purifying human mesenchymal progenitor cells from Dexter-type cultures, and characterization of and uses, particularly therapeutic uses for such cells. Specifically, there is provided isolated MPCs which can be used for diagnostic purposes, to enhance the engraftment of hematopoietic progenitor cells, enhance bone marrow transplantation, or aid in the treatment or prevention of graft versus host disease.

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 utilizing MACS recognizing expression of the antigen to the STRO-1 Mab, followed by a second sorting step utilizing two colour FACS to screen for the presence of high level STRO-1 antigen expression as well as the expression of VCAM-1.

Abstract: A method of treating heart failure and improving cardiac function by administering stem cell products to a heart in need of treatment, whereby the stem cell products improve cardiac muscle function thereby treating heart failure and improving cardiac function. A method of enriching or regenerating damaged myocardium by administering stem cell products to damaged myocardium. Stem cell products for use in treating heart failure are also provided. A composition for enriching and regenerating damaged myocardium, the composition having stem cell products in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Abstract: Ex vivo and in vivo methods of expanding a population of stem and/or progenitor cells, while at the same time reversibly inhibiting differentiation of the stem and/or progenitor cells by providing the stem and/or progenitor cells with an effective amount of at least one copper chelate, so as to maintain a free copper concentration available to said cells substantially unchanged, to thereby expand the population of said stem and/or progenitor cells, while at the same time reversibly inhibit differentiation of said stem and/or progenitor cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for manipulating hematopoietic stem or progenitor cells, mesenchymal stem cells, epithelial stem cells, neural stem cells and related products through activation of the PTH/PTHrP receptor in neighboring cells.

Abstract: The invention features methods for increasing or maintaining the number of functional cells of a predetermined type, for example, insulin producing cells of the pancreas, blood cells, spleen cells, brain cells, heart cells, vascular tissue cells, cells of the bile duct, or skin cells, in a mammal (e.g., a human patient) that has injured or damaged cells of the predetermined type.

Abstract: A substantially enriched mammalian hematopoietic cell subpopulation is provided, which is characterized by progenitor cell activity for myeloid lineages, but lacking the potential to differentiate into lymphoid lineages. This population is further divided into specific myeloid progenitor subsets, including a common myeloid progenitor cells (CMP), megakaryocyte/erythroid progenitor cells (MEP) and granulocyte/monocyte lineage progenitor (GMP). Methods are provided for the isolation and culture of these subpopulations. The CMP population gives rise to all myeloid lineages, and can give rise to the two additional and isolatable progenitor populations that are exclusively committed to either the erythroid/megakaryocytic or myelomonocytic lineages. T?? ???? ????????? ????o?? ????o???????? ???? ??????????o????? T??-1; ???I?-7 P?, in conjunction with other markers expressed on lineage committed cells.

Abstract: The discovery of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) on the surface of hematopoietic cells provides new methods for the stimulation and differentiation of various classes of progenitor cells. TLR2 and TLR4 agonists (natural ligands, mimetics, antibodies) are particularly useful in these methods. The cells can be isolated and used for various purpose including tissue regeneration and grafting. In contrast, antagonists of TLRs can be used to protect cells from various insults such as chemo- and radiotherapy, acute and chronic infection, and transplantation by inhibiting activation and differentiation. TLR2, TLR4 and TLR9 pathway antagonists (soluble TLR, mimetics, antibodies) are particularly useful in these methods. Cells can be isolated and used for various purposes including transplantation.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of treating cancer with a compound which inhibits kinases, more specifically IGF1R and Abl, in combination with treatments(s) selected from surgery, radiation, monoclonal antibody, bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cell transplantation, and one or more chemotherapeutic agent(s).

Abstract: The invention features methods for increasing or maintaining the number of functional cells of a predetermined type in a mammal (e.g., a human patient), for example, the insulin producing cells of the pancreas, liver cells, spleen cells, or bone cells, that has injured or damaged cells of the predetermined type or is deficient in cells of the predetermined type.

Abstract: [Problems] To provide a medical material having such a structure that enables even diffusion and distribution in the material of a sufficient amount a substance necessary for a medical treatment. [Means for Solving Problems] A medical material 10 composed of a porous three-dimensional construct 11, which is a rectangular parallelepiped having a porosity of from 20 to 97% and pores 12, 13, 14 and 15 provided in the main body. From this pore 12, a substance such as calcium phosphate or ceramics apatite and/or a physiologically active cell, tissue or protein and a substance suitable for exerting the functions thereof are introduced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating the risk of increased C-reactive protein (CRP) levels by conducting extracorporeal perfusion of blood plasma from patients with risk for cardiovascular diseases or immune dysfunctions, such as autoimmune diseases, through a device, such as a column, which contains absorbent matrix material including lipids, peptides, polypeptides, phosphocholine (PC) or PC derivatives so as to remove C-reactive protein. Moreover, the present invention relates to the use of compounds which have the characteristic to bind CRP at least temporarily, for removing CRP from biological fluids of a patient for prophylaxis and/or treatment of autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular diseases, such as infarction, stroke, diabetes, rheuma and renal failure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for delivering cells to a target tissue in a mammal using glycoconjugate to traffic the cell to a desired organ in the mammal. The methods according to the present invention are especially applicable to administering stem cells such as those derived from the bone marrow or from umbilical cord tissue. The methods are also useful for targeting a gene of interest to a tissue in a mammal by introducing a cell containing the gene of interest and administering a glycoconjugate to the mammal.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for stimulating the growth, proliferation, differentiation and/or mobilization of stem and/or progenitor cells are described. The method involves administering an effective amount of a substance which can activate the CD163 hemoglobin scavenger receptor signal transduction pathway. The methods and compositions are useful in stimulating hematopoiesis and in treating a wide range of conditions including cytopenias, anemias and for use in preparing cells for transplantation.

Abstract: Antagonists of T cell migration are used to reduce GVHD in recipients of hematopoietic cell grafts. The administration of antagonists of T cell migration can be used in combination with conventional methods of bone marrow transplantation and in combination with the administration of donor leukocytes.

Abstract: Methods for inducing a population of T cells to proliferate by activating the population of T cells and stimulating an accessory molecule on the surface of the T cells with a ligand which binds the accessory molecule are described. T cell proliferation occurs in the absence of exogenous growth factors or accessory cells. T cell activation is accomplished by stimulating the T cell receptor (TCR)/CD3 complex or the CD2 surface protein. To induce proliferation of an activated population T cells, an accessory molecule on the surface of the T cells, such as CD28, is stimulated with a ligand which binds the accessory molecule. The T cell population expanded by the method of the invention can be genetically transduced and used for immunotherapy or can be used in methods of diagnosis.

Abstract: Anti-aging compositions and methods for delivering (engrafting) younger compatible human DNA to tissues, through the systematic periodic introduction of younger primordial whole (nucleated) stem cells and bone marrow into a recipient, resulting in re-establishment of an earlier relative biological clock set-point, with respect to the number of cell generations-divisions are disclosed.

Abstract: Isolated mammalian nucleic acid molecules encoding receptor protein tyrosine kinases expressed in primitive hematopoietic cells and not expressed in mature hematopoietic cells are provided. Also included are the receptors encoded by such nucleic acid molecules; the nucleic acid molecules encoding receptor protein tyrosine kinases having the sequences shown in FIG. 1a (murine flk-2), FIG. 1b (human flk-2) and FIG. 2 (murine flk-1); the receptor protein tyrosine kinases having the amino acid sequences shown in FIG. 1a, FIG. 1b and FIG. 2; ligands for the receptors; nucleic acid sequences that encode the ligands; and methods of stimulating the proliferation and/or differentiation of primitive mammalian hematopoietic stem cells comprising contacting the stem cells with a ligand that binds to a receptor protein tyrosine kinase expressed in primitive mammalian hematopoietic cells and not expressed in mature hematopoietic cells.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of inducing immunosuppression in a patient by administering an inhibitor of the enzyme Ataxia telangiectasia mutated (Atm). The method may be used as a treatment for allergies, autoimmune diseases or lymphomas. It may also be used to prevent organ rejection in transplant patients and to treat or prevent graft versus host disease.

Abstract: The invention is compositions of extracellular matrix that comprise mammalian extracellular matrix from two or more tissue sources in a mammal. The invention also includes methods of using these compositions to regenerate tissue or generate new tissue at sites of defects or wounds in mammals.

Abstract: Isolated mammalian nucleic acid molecules encoding receptor protein tyrosine kinases expressed in primitive hematopoietic cells and not expressed in mature hematopoietic cells are provided. Also included are the receptors encoded by such nucleic acid molecules; the nucleic acid molecules encoding receptor protein tyrosine kinases having the sequences shown in FIG. 1a (murine flk-2), FIG. 1b (human flk-2) and FIG. 2 (murine flk-1); the receptor protein tyrosine kinases having the amino acid sequences shown in FIG. 1a, FIG. 1b and FIG. 2; ligands for the receptors; nucleic acid sequences that encode the ligands; and methods of stimulating the proliferation and/or differentiation of primitive mammalian hematopoietic stem cells comprising contacting the stem cells with a ligand that binds to a receptor protein tyrosine kinase expressed in primitive mammalian hematopoietic cells and not expressed in mature hematopoietic cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated pluri-differentiated human mesenchymal progenitor cells (MPCs), which simultaneously express a plurality of genes that are markers for multiple cell lineages, wherein the multiple cell lineages comprise at least four different mesenchymal cell lineages (e.g., adipocyte, osteoblast, fibroblast, and muscle cell) and wherein each of the markers is specific for a single cell lineage. The present invention also method for isolating and purifying human mesenchymal progenitor cells from Dexter-type cultures for characterization of and uses, particularly therapeutic uses for such cells. Specifically, isolated MPCs can be used for diagnostic purposes, to enhance the engraftment of hematopoietic progenitor cells, enhance bone marrow transplantation, or aid in the treatment or prevention of graft versus host disease.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for manipulating hematopoietic progenitor cells and related products. In one aspect the invention relates to the use of agents that activate a PTH/PTHrP receptor to enhance the growth and maintenance of hematopoietic progenitor cells in vivo and in vitro, to enhance mobilization of hematopoietic stem cells, to improve the efficiency of targeting cells to the bone marrow, and/or to modulate hematopoietic progenitor cell function.

Abstract: This invention provides, among other things, methods for performing RNA interference in stem cells and methods for using stem cells in vivo.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for modulating an immune response in a subject are provided. Methods include administering to the subject a composition comprising an effective amount of a lymphocyte differentiation factor, e.g., protein A (PA), sufficient to modulate the immune response. Compositions include a lymphocyte differentiation factor, e.g., protein A (PA), in an amount less than 1 ?g.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods of regenerating cartilage. In an embodiment, a method includes initiating a release of precursor cells, including bone marrow cells and progenitor cells, into a cartilage defect; and applying a population of exogenous cells to the cartilage defect. The exogenous cells, selected from a group including chondrocytes, synoviocytes, fat pad cells, chondroprogenitor cells, mesenchymal stem cells, and any combination thereof, induce the precursor cells to form cartilage tissue through a release of factors by the exogenous cells. The factors stimulate the precursor cells to form cartilage cells. The cartilage cells then form cartilage tissue. The factors are selected from a group including transforming growth factors, fibroblast growth factors, platelet-derived growth factors, insulin-like growth factors, epidermal growth factors, interleukins, and any combination thereof. Other methods of regenerating cartilage are also disclosed.

Abstract: Method to identify the mechanical properties of a material starting from at least a digitalized image of a sample of the material. The image of the sample to be analyzed is processed to achieve a numerical model comprising a determinate number of elementary geometric elements, or cells, to each of which a parameter to identify the type of matter is assigned, in order to obtain information on the distribution of the mechanical characteristics in the individual units of the sample, from which it is possible to trace both the elastic characteristics and hence the resistance, and also the distribution of stresses and strain in relation to the application of the loads.