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: A method for forming neuromuscular junctions includes forming functional neuromuscular junctions between motoneurons and muscle cells by co-culturing one or more human motoneurons and one or more human muscle cells in a substantially serum-free medium. A synthetic mammalian neuromuscular junction includes a human motoneuron functionally linked to a human muscle cell in a substantially serum-free medium. An artificial substrate may be used to support the one or more neuromuscular junctions.

Abstract: This application relates to a newly identified animal cell structure, the midbody scar. This structure is a remnant of the midbody that is retained by one daughter cell following cytokinesis and persists through multiple subsequent cell cycles. The midbody scar can be useful as a marker of dividing cells or of a cell's replicative age.

Abstract: A cell culture comprising human foreskin cells, the human foreskin cells being capable of maintaining stem cells in an undifferentiated state when co-cultured therewith.

Abstract: The invention provides a layered double hydroxide compound for use in modulating an immune response to an antigen, and an immune modulator composition comprising the layered double hydroxide and an antigen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of generating an ex vivo tissue-like system in a bioreactor system capable of supporting continuous production of, and output of cells and tissues and an ex vivo tissue system made therefrom.

Abstract: The invention provides a description of a method and a device suitable for producing a cell suspension spray with living cells, and the produced cell preparation, suitable for grafting to a patient. In contrast to other methods, the spraying is performed through a disposable needle which is inserted into a disposable air tube; which provides a cell distribution avoiding spray nozzles. Small suspension droplets are provided instead of cell nebulization. By using medical grade sterile Luer-lock disposables from medical routine praxis, biocompatibility and easy application is addressed. In applying the method and/or in using the device, cells suitable for grafting to a patient are dispersed in a solution and sprayed with the device for distribution over the recipient graft site.

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: The present invention relates to the use of at least one isolated multipotent stem cell for maintaining haematopoiesis in vitro, in which said multipotent stem cell is preferably a mesenchymal stem cell or, more preferably, said mesenchymal stem cell is a mesenchymal stem cell capable of expressing the nestin protein. The present invention also relates to an isolated cell population of adult nestin-positive mesenchymal cells from a mammal, including humans, to the use thereof for producing a drug for maintaining haematopoiesis in a mammal, for the prevention and/or treatment of at least one disease associated with a malfunction in maintaining haematopoiesis in a mammal, and for maintaining and expanding adult haematopoietic stem cells of said mammal, including a human. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a method for maintaining haematopoiesis in vitro or to a method for evaluating the haematopoietic capacity of a mammal.

Abstract: A cancer cell separating apparatus includes: a flow channel including an antibody fixation area having antibodies which bind specifically to cancer cells fixed thereon, wherein the cancer cells and non-cancer cells are separated using a difference in velocity of movement between the cancer cells and the non-cancer cells in cell slurry introduced into the flow channel.

Abstract: Cytotoxic ?? T cells form an essential component in immunity to infections and tumors, and are also implicated in host defense against these challenges. The present disclosure demonstrates the ability of activated ?? T cells to cross-present exogenous antigens to CD8+ ?? T cells, a process previously thought to be mediated best by dendritic cells. In particular, the present disclosure provides a method for cross-presentation of antigen derived from tumor cell or microbial organisms such as viruses, bacteria, yeasts, parasites, and the like, or from cells infected with such organisms, to a CD8+ ?? T cell. Still further, the present disclosure provides a method for treatment of a tumor or a chronic or recurrent infectious disease, comprising delivering an antigen-presenting autologous ?? T cell population above into a patient requiring such treatment. Still yet further, a method is described for preparing a peptide-specific effector T cell.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to tumor cell lines useful for increasing the proliferation potential of any human or animal cell in culture, thereby providing immortalized or continuous cell lines and cultures. The invention also concerns proliferation factors, and compositions containing the factors, which are capable of increasing the proliferation potential of any human or other animal cell in culture. The subject invention further pertains to a method for proliferating cells in culture by contacting cells with the proliferation factors. The proliferated cells can range in plasticity and can include, for example, blast cells, fertilized ova, non-fertilized gametes, embryonic stem cells, adult stem cells, precursor or progenitor cells, and highly specialized cells. Optionally, the cells can be induced to cease proliferation.

Abstract: Three-dimensional human broncho-epithelial tissue-like assemblies (TLAs) are produced in a rotating wall vessel (RWV) with microcarriers by coculturing mesenchymal bronchial-tracheal cells (BTC) and bronchial epithelium cells (BEC). These TLAs display structural characteristics and express markers of in vivo respiratory epithelia. TLAs are useful for screening compounds active in lung tissues such as antiviral compounds, cystic fibrosis treatments, allergens, and cytotoxic compounds.

Abstract: This invention provides a system for efficiently producing differentiated cells from pluripotent cells, such as human embryonic stem cells. Rather than permitting the cells to form embryoid bodies according to established techniques, differentiation is effected directly in monolayer culture on a suitable solid surface. The cells are either plated directly onto a differentiation-promoting surface, or grown initially on the solid surface in the absence of feeder cells and then exchanged into a medium that assists in the differentiation process. The solid surface and the culture medium can be chosen to direct differentiation down a particular pathway, generating a cell population that is remarkably uniform. The methodology is well adapted to bulk production of committed precursor and terminally differentiated cells for use in drug screening or regenerative medicine.

Abstract: The present disclosure uses different kinds of surface treatment processes on titanium-made dental implants. The growth and attachment conditions of bone cells (MC3T3-E), fibroblasts (NIH 3T3) and epidermal cells (XB-2) on the metal surface of titanium slices with different surface treatments are observed. Tetra-calcium phosphate is used to perform secondary sand-blasting process to clean up the metal surface and provide calcium ions for osteoblastoma physiology. Thus, by adjusting the cells adhesive and proliferative abilities, the success rate of the clinical applications in dental implant is improved.

Abstract: This description applies to pharmaceutical compositions comprising a mixture comprising one or more hERG1 channel blockers in combination with one or more compounds for anticancer therapy for use in the treatment of chemoresistant or potentially chemoresistant leukaemias and in vitro systems for the screening of substances suitable for use in the treatment of chemoresistant or potentially chemoresistant leukaemias.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of identifying one or more differentiation factors that are useful for differentiating cells in a cell population comprising definitive endoderm cells into cells which are capable of forming tissues and/or organs that are derived from the gut tube.

Abstract: A stem cell niche for expanding stem cells in culture is described. The stem cell niche includes a scaffold, a plurality of stromal mesenchymal stem cells, and a plurality of umbilical cord blood stem cells grown in a rotating culture chamber. One embodiment of the rotating culture chamber has a fluid-filled compartment in which the umbilical cord blood stem cells are grown in the presence of the mesenchymal stem cells seeded on the scaffold. The culture chamber has a dual flow valving member at each end, wherein a first flow path passes under a molecular cut-off membrane covering a central core that transverses the culture chamber and a second flow path flows through the culture chamber and allows cells to be harvested while in suspension.

Abstract: The present invention relates to modified cells carrying a heterologous gene sequence encoding a protein, such as an Inhibitor of differentiation (Id) gene sequence that binds a basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) protein to inhibit cell growth, differentiation and/or tumorigenesis of the modified cells. The modified cells are differentiated, proliferate and do not become tumorigenic when grafted into a recipient subject. Additionally, the modified cells produce a factor or factors that enhance the viability of co-grafted organs, tissues or cells. Thus, the modified cells are useful for testing agents for effects on the cells, for co-grafting with transplant organs, tissues or cells. The modified cells are also useful for enhancing the viability of thawing cells that have been cryo-preserved. In one embodiment, the modified cells are modified Sertoli cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for activating a Natural Killer (NK) cell by contacting the NK cell in vitro with an activating tumor cell preparation (ATCP). The invention also provides an activated NK cell produced by such a method and its use in the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of preparing multi-cellular three-dimensional tissue constructs, that include fibroblasts, endothelial cells, lymphocytes and epithelial cells. The present methods may include embedding fibroblasts and endothelial cells in a matrix enriched with gut basement membrane proteins to form a cell containing matrix that is then added to a bioreactor and exposed to epithelial cells and activated lymphocytes as the cell cultures. Also provided are the tissue constructs formed from such methods, a matrix enriched with gut basement membrane proteins and kits that include the same. Further provided are methods of measuring toxicity of a pathogen or commensal organisms, chemosensitivity of tissues to a toxic material and inflammatory conditions, which use the present multi-cellular three-dimensional tissue constructs.

Abstract: Disclosed are embryonic stem cell-derived dendritic cells, genetically modified immature dendritic cells capable of maturation, as well as methods for the production of such cells. In one embodiment, the cells made be produced by a method comprising the steps of providing a population of embryonic stem cells; culturing the embryonic stem cells in the presence of a cytokine or combination of cytokines which brings about differentiation of the embryonic stem cells into dendritic cells; and recovering the dendritic cells from the culture. In a further embodiment, the cells may be genetically modified.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to tumor cell lines useful for increasing the proliferation potential of any human or animal cell in culture, thereby providing immortalized or continuous cell lines and cultures. The invention also concerns proliferation factors, and compositions containing the factors, which are capable of increasing the proliferation potential of any human or other animal cell in culture. The subject invention further pertains to a method for proliferating cells in culture by contacting cells with the proliferation factors. The proliferated cells can range in plasticity and can include, for example, blast cells, fertilized ova, non-fertilized gametes, embryonic stem cells, adult stem cells, precursor or progenitor cells, and highly specialized cells. Optionally, the cells can be induced to cease proliferation.

Abstract: An organotypic slice and a method of preparing an organotypic slice from a central nervous system tissue, wherein the organotypic slice comprises a brain slice obtained from a brain wherein mature synapses have not been established and the organotypic slice is seeded with a population of stem cells; wherein the organotypic slice has enhanced viability as compared to an organotypic slice comprising a similar brain slice not seeded with a population of stem cells.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an endothelin receptor antagonist for use in the prevention or treatment of brain metastases in combination with a cytotoxic chemotherapy agent, radiotherapy or both. The endothelin receptor antagonist may for example be bosentan, macitentan or a mixture of bosentan and macitentan.

Abstract: Methods for identifying trichogenic dermal cells, including dermal papilla cells and dermal sheath cells, capable of inducing hair follicle formation when injected into skin are provided. It has been discovered that EGF latrophilin and seven transmembrane domain-containing protein 1 (ELTD1). Transmembrane Protein 108 (TMEM1 08), Hyaluronan and proteoglycan link protein 1 (HAPLN1) are biomarkers that can be used to detect, identify, and distinguish trichogenic dermal cells, i.e., that are able to induce hair follicle formation, from other skin cells. Populations of skin cells enriched with trichogenic dermal cells can be produced by selecting for and enriching for dermal cells that express ELTD1, TMEM1 08, HAPLN1, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the proliferation, differentiation, and maintenance of stem cells are described. Preferred are the use of hematopoietic stem cells in combination with a collagen matrix.

Abstract: Methods for isolating a CD133+/CD45neg/GlyAneg subpopulation of umbilical cord blood cells are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods include providing an initial population of umbilical cord blood cells; contacting the initial population of cells with a first antibody that is specific for CD133, a second antibody that is specific for CD45, and a third antibody that is specific for Glycophorin A (GIyA) under conditions sufficient to allow binding of each antibody to its target, if present, on each cell of the initial population of cells; and isolating a subpopulation of cells that are CD133+, CD45neg, and GlyAneg. Also provided are isolated populations of CD133+/GlyAneg/CD45neg stem cells isolated from cord blood, methods for repopulating cell types in subjects, methods for bone marrow transplantation, methods for inducing hematopoietic competency in CD133+/GlyAneg/CD45neg stem cells, and cell culture systems that include CD133+/GIyAneg/CD45neg stem cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluid exchange cell culture technique and tissue repair cells (TRCs) made by these methods, as well as methods using these cells. The method includes a new wash step which increases the tissue repair properties of the TRCs of the invention. This wash step allows for the production of TRC populations with greater tissue repair and anti-inflammatory capabilities. Embodiments of the present invention include a post-culture process for cultured cells that preferably includes the steps of: a wash process for removing unwanted residual culture components, a volume reduction process, and a harvesting process to remove cultured cells. Preferably, all these steps are performed within a aseptically closed cell culture chamber by implementing a separation method that minimizes mechanical disruption of the cells and is simple to automate. The harvested cells may then be concentrated to a final volume for the intended use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the in vitro production of intervertebral disk cartilage cell transplants from affected intervertebral disk tissue from patients and to the use thereof as transplantation material for the treatment of affected intervertebral disks. The invention also relates to a three-dimensional, vital, and mechanically stable intervertebral disk cartilage tissue and to the use thereof as transplantation material for the treatment of affected intervertebral disks and in testing active substances. Furthermore, the invention is directed to the surgical technique for incorporating the transplants, to the intervertebral disk cell transplants and intervertebral disk cartilage tissues produced, and to therapeutic formulations, e.g. injection solutions, which include said tissue and said cell transplants.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are cell cultures and enriched cell populations of endocrine precursor cells, immature pancreatic hormone-expressing cells and mature pancreatic hormone-expressing cells. Also disclosed herein are methods of producing such cell cultures and cell populations.

Abstract: Co-cultures of heterogeneous cell populations in a diffusion-constrained microenvironment and methods for co-culturing are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention has an object to provide a method for efficiently producing a human T cell population which has both cytotoxic and immunosuppressive activities, and solves the above object by providing a method for producing a human T cell population which has both cytotoxic and immunosuppressive activities, comprising the following steps (1) to (4): (1) fractionating mononuclear cells collected from a human umbilical cord blood into CD14-positive (CD14+) cells and CD14-negative (CD14?) cells, and then fractionating the CD14-negative (CD14?) cells into CD2-positive CD14-negative (CD2+CD14?) cells, and CD2-negative CD14-negative (CD2?CD14?) cells; (2) co-culturing the CD2-positive CD14-negative (CD2+CD14?) cells obtained in step (1) with stromal cells to generate blast cells; (3) adding the blast cells obtained in step (2) to the co-culture of the CD14-positive (CD14+) cells obtained in step (1) with stromal cells to allow the blast cells to proliferate; and (4) allowing the blast cells obtained in step

Abstract: The invention provides a method of up-regulating genes in cultured human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, the method comprising culturing the stem cells in a nutrient medium together with cells from a limb of a limb-regenerating animal. In the method, the limb-regenerating animal is preferably a species of the family Polychrotidae. Another method of the invention provides for up-regulating genes maintaining pluripotency and proliferation in cultured human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells by culturing the stem cells in a nutrient medium together with mouse embryonic stem cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides an effective method for the transfection of dendritic cells by non-viral methods. The present invention provides this benefit by incubating dendritic cells and a specified transfection agent. The transfection agent comprises a polynucleotide and microparticles, with the microparticles being comprised of biodegradable polymer and cationic detergent. The dendritic cells and transfection agent are incubated for a time sufficient to transfect the dendritic cells with the polynucleotide.

Abstract: Provided herein are skin substitutes suitable for use in a living subject for purpose of repairing damaged tissues, methods of producing the skin substitutes and their uses. A biocomposite membrane comprising poly(?-caprolactone) (PCL) and at least one material selected from collagen and gelatin is provided. In one embodiment, the biocomposite is a 2-component membrane of PCL and gelatin. In another embodiment, the biocomposite is a 3-component membrane of PCL, collagen and gelatin. The bio-composite membrane may be used directly in vivo as a wound dressing, or as a support for cell growth on each side of the membrane to produce an in vitro cultivated artificial skin for future in vivo and/or in vitro applications.

Abstract: A method for isolation of an inner cell mass and a method for preparation of embryonic stem cell lines using the inner cell mass isolated by the same. A blastocyst being free from a zona pellucida removed therefrom is placed on a feeder cell, and a micro cover glass is put on the blastocyst to apply pressure caused by a weight of the micro cover glass, to the blastocyst for a desired time, so that the inner cell mass may be obtained with considerably improved yield compared to conventional methods, and therefore, an embryonic stem cell line may be efficiently established and proliferated.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for distinguishing and sorting cells. In particular it includes methods for distinguishing and sorting post-mitotic and post-meiotic daughter cells into two classes according to differential cellular features. Labeling, tagging, or marking of the cells' chromatin proteins, RNA, or DNA may assist in distinguishing the daughter cells. In some embodiments, two cell classes may be studied and the cells' proteins, glycoproteins, and RNA may be identified and subset. Information from these subsets may then be used to distinguish and sort the two classes of cells from similar tissues according to protein, glycoprotein, and RNA makeup.

Abstract: An engineered three-dimensional structure includes living cells cohered with each other. The living cells suitably include Schwann cells and at least one other type of cell. The cells accompanying the Schwann cells can suitably be bone marrow stem cells or another type of cell having one or more anti-inflammatory properties. The structure is suitably a graft that facilitates restorative axon growth when the graft is implanted between the proximal and distal stubs of a severed nerve in a living organism. The graft can optionally include a plurality of acellular conduits extending between opposite axial ends of the graft. Bio-printing techniques can be used to assemble a three-dimensional construct that becomes through maturation an axon-guiding graft, by stacking a plurality of multicellular bodies, each of which includes a plurality of living cells cohered to one another to sufficiently to avoid collapsing when the multicellular bodies are stacked to form the structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for preparing an artificial immune system. The artificial immune system comprises a cell culture comprising T cells, B cells and antigen-primed dendritic cells. The artificial immune system of the present invention can be used for in vitro testing of vaccines, adjuvants, immunotherapy candidates, cosmetics, drugs, biologics and other chemicals.

Abstract: A method for preparing a biomaterial comprising a gel layer which forms a core region, and cells (cover cells) which cover around the gel layer, said method comprising the steps of: (a) bringing a biocompatible oil or a vegetable oil or a mixture thereof with a mineral oil into contact with a solution containing a gel-forming component to form monodisperse droplets; (b) inducing gelation of the monodisperse droplets to give gel beads; and (c) seeding the cover cells over the surface of the gel beads.

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: The present invention relates to methods for preparing an artificial immune system. The artificial immune system comprises a cell culture comprising T cells, B cells and antigen-primed dendritic cells. The artificial immune system of the present invention can be used for in vitro testing of vaccines, adjuvants, immunotherapy candidates, cosmetics, drugs, biologics and other chemicals.

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

Abstract: Methods for deriving and cultivating human embryonic stem (ES) cells and maintaining their pluripotency in culture is provided by utilizing human umbilical cord blood derived stem cells or secreted proteins obtained from the culture medium of human umbilical cord blood derived stem cells.

Abstract: To efficiently select and proliferate the mesenchymal stem cells without necessity of an exclusive separating device and a complicated separating operation, mesenchymal stem cells are cultured by seeding at least one of a bone marrow solution, an umbilical cord blood, a peripheral blood, a synovial membrane and an amniotic membrane in a liquid culture medium which is filled in a vessel, includes water as its main components and having a specific gravity between 1.06 and 1.10 at 37° C., and making a culture at a temperature 37±2° C. on a ceiling side surface of the vessel, preferably the specific gravity being regulated by use of at least one selected from silica fine powder coated by polyvinyl pyrrolidone, a water soluble copolymer of sucrose and epichlorohydrin, and a water soluble compound including a triiodo aromatic ring.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical for prevention and treatment of demyelination-associated neural function impairing diseases contains erythropoietin as an active ingredient, and protectively act on the survival of oligodendrocytes, which form a myelin sheath, in cerebrovascular dementia typified by multiple sclerosis and Binswanger disease, diseases involving demyelination. The pharmaceutical and method also promote maturation of undifferentiated oligodendrocytes present in the brain, activating remyelination. Through these mechanisms, the pharmaceutical and method can prevent and treat demyelination-associated neural function impairing diseases.

Abstract: A method for forming neuromuscular junctions includes forming functional neuromuscular junctions between motoneurons and muscle cells by co-culturing one or more human motoneurons and one or more rat muscle cells in a substantially serum-free medium. A synthetic mammalian neuromuscular junction includes a human motoneuron functionally linked to a rat muscle cell in a substantially serum-free medium. An artificial substrate may be used to support the one or more neuromuscular junctions.

Abstract: A new method for selecting clones and recloning mammalian cells which are of importance for the production of biopharmaceuticals, preferably hamster or mouse myeloma cells, with a high degree of automation and throughput. The invention relates to methods of depositing and replicating single cell clones of the cells in question. The invention also relates to methods of preparing proteins using cells which have been obtained and replicated by single cell deposition as well as compositions which allow the replication of single cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of constructing an integrated artificial immune system that comprises appropriate in vitro cellular and tissue constructs or their equivalents to mimic the normal tissues that interact with vaccines in mammals. The artificial immune system can be used to test the efficacy of vaccine candidates in vitro and thus, is useful to accelerate vaccine development and testing drug and chemical interactions with the immune system.