Abstract: Methods are provided for the production of dendritic cells from monocytes that have been incubated at a temperature of 1° C.-34° C. for a period of approximately 6 to 96 hours from the time they are isolated from a subject. After the incubation period, the monocytes can then be induced to differentiate into dendritic cells. Mature dendritic cells made by the methods of the invention have increased levels of one or more of CD80, CD83, CD86, MHC class I molecules, or MHC class II molecules as compared to mature dendritic cells prepared from monocytes that have not been held at 1° C.-34° C. for at least 6 hours from the time they were isolated from a subject. Dendritic cells made by the methods of the invention are useful for the preparation of vaccines and for the stimulation of T cells.

Abstract: Methods for de-differentiating or altering the life-span of desired “recipient” cells, e.g., human somatic cells, by the introduction of cytoplasm from a more primitive, less differentiated cell type, e.g., oocyte or blastomere are provided. These methods can be used to produce embryonic stem cells and to increase the efficiency of gene therapy by allowing for desired cells to be subjected to multiple genetic modifications without becoming senescent. Such cytoplasm may be fractionated and/or subjected to subtractive hybridization and the active materials (sufficient for de-differentiation) identified and produced by recombinant methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and assay useful for determining the sensitivity of the cells of a subject to genetic damage from electromagnetic radiation. The assay may comprise a substrate suitable for mounting a sample of lymphocytes from a subject and an electromagnetic radiation source.

Abstract: The invention is related to the production and use of CD124+ and CD116+ cell lines for the production of effective dendritic cells (DC) using stimulatory molecules, their use in the production of allogenic or semi-allogenic immunotherapeutic agents and the use thereof in the treatment or prophylaxis of immune diseases. Furthermore, the invention is related to the use of CD124+ and CD116+ tumor cell lines, preferably also being CD34+, as model and test systems for testing the DC biology and for testing substances having an impact on the immune system and on the conditioning thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of treating immune disorders, particularly autoimmune or inflammatory disorders, and methods of producing antibodies and other compounds for use in therapeutic strategies for treating such disorders. Generally, the present methods involve the use of antibodies or other compounds that prevent the stimulation of NKG2A receptors on NK cells, leading to the lysis of dendritic cells that contribute to the pathology of the disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing natural killer cells (hereinafter, referred to as “NK cells”), NK cells produced thereby, and a composition for treating cancers and infectious diseases containing the same. The present invention provides a method for producing NK cells, which maintain high cytotoxicity and cell viability to exhibit high therapeutic effects against cancers and infectious diseases and can be cultured ex vivo at high efficiency and high concentration. In addition, a culture method which maintains cell concentration at a constant level is used for the production of NK cells, and thus the overgrowth of the cells can be prevented so that the cells can be maintained at an optimal state. Particularly, even when the cells are thawed after freezing, the function of the cells is not impaired, and the NK cells can maintain high cell viability and cytotoxicity.

Abstract: We describe cell culture media for in vitro culture of a human cancer cell of the lymphocyte lineage (e.g., leukemia, lymphoma, or other blasts) or a precursor thereof, especially T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia lymphoma (T-ALL), as well as methods for at least maintenance, propagation, or both of the human cancer cell or its precursor.

Abstract: This invention relates to the forward programming of pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) into megakaryocyte (MK) progenitor cells using the transcription factors GATA1, FLI1 and TAL1. Methods of producing megakaryocyte (MK) progenitor cells and subsequently differentiating them into mature megakaryocytes are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for modulating activity of CXCR4 genes, for example using zinc finger transcription factors (ZF-TFs) or zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs) comprising a zinc finger protein and a cleavage domain or cleavage half-domain. Polynucleotides encoding ZF-TFs or ZFNs, vectors comprising polynucleotides encoding ZF-TFs or ZFNs and cells comprising polynucleotides encoding ZF-TFs or ZFNs and/or cells comprising ZF-TF or ZFNs are also provided.

Abstract: Using the methods of the present invention, intermediate (int) levels of aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity reliably distinguished leukemic CD34+CD38? cells capable of engrafting immunodeficient mice, from residual normal hematopoietic stem cells that exhibited relatively higher ALDH activity. Minimal residual disease (MRD) detected during complete remission was enriched for the CD34+CD38?ALDHint leukemic cells, and the presence of these cells after therapy highly correlated with subsequent clinical relapse. The methods of the present invention can distinguish normal from leukemic CD34+CD38? cells, and identifies those AML cells associated with relapse. Methods of prediction of relapse of AML patients and methods of treatment are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for determining efficacy of a cyclodextrin therapy in a subject afflicted with a disorder involving oxysterol accumulation. These methods comprise: obtaining a first body fluid sample from the subject prior to cyclodextrin administration; administering cyclodextrin; obtaining at least one second body fluid sample after the cyclodextrin administration; subjecting the body fluid samples to chromatography-mass spectroscopy analysis to determine concentration of 24-hydroxycholesterol and/or cholestane-3?,5?,6?-triol; and determining magnitude of difference between the 24-hydroxycholesterol and/or cholestane-3?,5?,6?-triol concentration of the body fluid samples, whereby an increase or stabilization of 24-hydroxycholesterol concentration, or a reduction of cholestane-3?,5?,6?-triol concentration in the at least one second sample compared to the first sample, indicates efficacy of the cyclodextrin therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing human eosinophils from human pluripotent stem cells. More specifically, the present invention provides a method for producing human eosinophils from human pluripotent stem cells, which method comprises the steps of: (1) co-culturing, in the presence of VEGF, human pluripotent stem cells with cells separated from the AGM region of a mammalian fetus; (2) performing suspension culture using a medium comprising IL-3, IL-6, Flt3 ligand, SCF, TPO and serum; (3) performing suspension culture using a medium comprising IL-3, SCF, GM-CSF and serum; and, optionally, (4) performing suspension culture using a medium comprising IL-3, IL-5 and serum.

Abstract: Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs), including bone marrow-derived MSCs (BMMSCs) expressing Fas and FasL, and secreting MCP-1 are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for upregulating regulatory T cells in a subject by administering MSCs, including BMMSCs. Also disclosed are methods for treating systemic sclerosis or colitis in a subject by administering MSCs, including BMMSCs.

Abstract: Tissue repair compositions, particularly bone repair compositions, containing (a) bone fragments and (b) homogenized connective tissue, and methods for making the same are provided. Some of the inventive tissue repair compositions contain a radioprotectant. The compositions can be used in the form of an injectable gel, an injectable paste, a paste, a putty, or a rehydratable freeze-dried form. Kits for using such tissue repair compositions are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a new method for ex-vivo purging of cells in autologous transplantation, wherein the sample of taken cells is treated with a sufficient amount of a multimeric form of the soluble portion of FasL to kill malignant cells without substantially affecting viability of cells to be transplanted. Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) following high-dose chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy has become the standard therapy for the majority of patients with large-cell lymphomas, multiple myeloma, and refractory/recidivating Hodgkin's disease. Such therapy is nowadays also contemplated for selected patients with low-grade lymphomas (chronic lymphocytic leukemia, follicular lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma) and for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Current treatments for cell purging include chemotherapy and antibody cocktails. These treatments are often toxic on stem cells and not efficient in eliminating cancer cells.

Abstract: A synthetic scaffold for replacing at least a portion of an airway includes an airway mold, one or more structural ribs on the airway mold, and a non-structural wall. Each of the one or more structural ribs is formed from a first material and the non-structural wall is formed from a second material. The non-structural wall coats the airway mold and forms a conduit that incorporates the one or more structural ribs.

Abstract: A blood storage container suitable for quick and efficient production of a large amount of serum while ensuring high safety, and a method of separating blood and a regenerative medical process using the same are provided. A blood component separation storage apparatus is provided for separating a plurality of blood components of blood so as to be stored therein. The blood component separation storage apparatus includes a blood reservoir for holding the blood and a component storage part connected to the blood reservoir aseptically and in an air-tight manner. The blood reservoir contains an anticoagulant which suppresses coagulation of the blood. The blood reservoir has a serum producing function to remove coagulation factors from the blood to an extent enabling use in practical applications as a serum, and the component storage part stores each blood component generated by separation of the blood in the blood reservoir.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of deriving pluripotent embryonic stem cells from mouse blastocysts or from primordial germ cells from a post-implantation mouse embryo, or of maintaining or growing pluripotent embryonic stem cells from a mouse, or of expanding human hematopoietic stem cells or human hematopoietic precursor cells. The methods include the step of cultivating the stem cells or precursor cells for at least one passage in a culture medium preconditioned by the rabbit fibroblast cell line Rab9 (ATCC catalogue CRL1414) and containing less than 0.1 ng/ml Leukemia Inhibitory Factor (LIF).

Abstract: The instant invention provides TCRs having one or more amino acid substitutions that bind to the AL9 epitope of the HIV protein vpr (AIIRILQQQL).

Abstract: The present invention provides systems for cell separation based on cell rolling on surfaces along edges of regions coated with cell adhesion molecules. A variety of designs of coated regions and edges are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided are ex vivo and in vivo methods of expanding renewable stem cells using agents capable of down-regulating Sir2 protein activity and/or expression, expanded populations of renewable stem cells, and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods of enriching rare cells, such as cancer cells, from biological samples, such as blood samples. The methods include performing at least one debulking step on a blood sample and selectively removing at least one type undesirable component from the blood sample to obtain a blood sample that is enriched in a rare cell of interest. In some embodiments magnetic beads coupled to specific binding members are used to selectively removed components.

Abstract: This invention provides biosensors, cell models, and methods of their use for monitoring ionic or voltage responses to contact with bioactive agents. Biosensors can include targeting domains, sensing domains and reporting domains. Biosensors can be introduced into cells reprogrammed to represent experimental or pathologic cells of interest. Model cells expressing the biosensors can be contacted with putative bioactive agents to determine possible activities.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing stem cells having a size suitable for intravascular administration, and preferably to a method for preparing stem cells with a diameter ranging from 11-16 ?m. Additionally, the present invention relates to media composition for preparing stem cells having a size suitable for intravascular administration. According to the present invention, stem cells having a size suitable for intravascular administration can be prepared such that stem cells administered into a vein can stably reach a target tissue, and thus can more efficiently increase efficacy displaying activity, thereby innovatively enhancing the efficacy of cell therapy using stem cells.

Abstract: As described below, the present invention features compositions and methods related to the isolation, culture and therapeutic use of CD31-expressing cells.

Abstract: The invention describes methods for production of novel composition of glycans, glycomes, from human multipotent stem cells. The invention is further directed to methods for modifying the glycomes and analysis of the glycomes and the modified glycomes. Furthermore the invention is directed to stem cells carrying the modified glycomes on their surfaces.

Abstract: Provided are: a method for producing an immortalized human erythroid progenitor cell line, enabling efficient and stable production of enucleated red blood cells; and a method for producing human enucleated red blood cells from a human erythroid progenitor cell line obtained by the aforementioned production method. An expression cassette capable of inducing expression of HPV-E6/E7 genes in the presence of DOX was introduced into the genomic DNA of blood stem cells. Then, the blood stem cells were cultured in the presence of DOX and a blood growth factor. Thereby, immortalized cell lines of human erythroid progenitor cells were established. Further, it was revealed that culturing the cell lines under a condition where the expression of the HPV-E6/E7 genes was not induced enabled differentiation induction into enucleated red blood cells at a high ratio.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions for linking DNA binding domains and cleavage domains (or cleavage half-domains) to form non-naturally occurring nucleases. Also described are methods of making and using compositions comprising these linkers.

Abstract: Mesenchymal stem cell conditioned medium and methods for preparing the conditioned medium are provided. The methods comprise culturing MSCs in a medium comprising nicotinamide or nicotinamide and fibroblast growth factor 4 (FGF4) and collecting the conditioned medium. Compositions comprising the mesenchymal stem cell conditioned medium and uses thereof are also provided.

Abstract: Regions where metastatic cancer cells can exist are detected with high accuracy in a sentinel lymph node. Quantum dots are injected into the vicinity of a cancer in a living body, thereby identifying the location of the sentinel lymph node by means of fluorescence. Subsequently, the sentinel lymph node is extracted. With respect to the sentinel lymph node extracted with quantum dots injected, structural analysis is conducted by means of precision fluorescence measurement which uses a confocal fluorescence microscope for monomolecular observation. Specifically, the fluorescence intensity is measured with respect to each of multiple areas in the sentinel lymph nodes, and out of the multiple areas measured, one or more areas are detected as afferent lymph vessel inflow regions in descending order of fluorescence intensity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a technique of using monocytic blood cells to effectively culture and proliferate blood adult stem cells and progenitor cells that only exist in small quantities to effectively obtain large quantities of stem cells. According to the present invention, the limitation of being able to derive only small quantities of stem cells from blood can be overcome, and the pluripotency of stem cells can easily be obtained.

Abstract: The invention is based on the finding of specific surface markers for M1-like (classically activated) and M2-like (alternatively activated) macrophages and provides for a method for the identification, characterization and isolation of M1-like and M2-like macrophages based on the abundance of said surface markers and for means for performing such method.

Abstract: The present application relates to stem cells isolated from various sources within the body of a patient or of a healthy donor and identified by the presence of the interleukin 12 (IL-12) receptor. The present application also provides methods for making and for using the stem cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of promoting the survival of cells by treating the cells with acid ceramidase. A kit for promoting ex vivo cell survival is also disclosed, as is a method of predicting in vitro fertilization outcome of a female subject.

Abstract: A method for sorting particles, in particular cells A and B. The method uses a single channel with only one input and only one output. A particle mix A and B in a fluid is introduced into the channel and particles within the channel are sorted.

Abstract: A three-dimensional microwell system that supports long term pluripotent cell culture and formation of homogeneous embryoid bodies (EBs) is described. Microwell-cultured pluripotent cells remain viable and undifferentiated for several weeks in culture and maintain undifferentiated replication when passaged to Matrigel®-coated, tissue culture-treated polystyrene dishes. Microwell-cultured pluripotent cells maintain pluripotency, differentiating to each of the three embryonic germ layers. Pluripotent cell aggregates released from microwells can be passaged for undifferentiated replication or differentiated to monodisperse EBs. The ability to constrain pluripotent cell growth in three dimensions advantageously provides for more efficient, reproducible culture of undifferentiated cells, high-throughput screening, and the ability to direct pluripotent cell differentiation by generating monodisperse EBs of a desired size and shape.

Abstract: A method is provided, including obtaining a population of isolated immature antigen-presenting cells; enriching a population of isolated stem/progenitor cells within a larger population of cells; activating the population of immature antigen-presenting cells; and following the activating, inducing at least one process selected from the group consisting of: differentiation, expansion, activation, secretion of a molecule, and expression of a marker, by exposing the enriched stem/progenitor cell population to the population of activated antigen-presenting cells. Inducing the at least one process includes generating a lineage specific precursor/progenitor population (LSP) from the enriched stem/progenitor cell population.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for modulating the expression of a HLA locus, including cells that lack expression of one or more classic HLA genes but are not targeted by Natural Killer (NK) cells for lysis.

Abstract: A method of generating neural stem cells or motor neurons is disclosed, the method comprising up-regulating a level of at least one exogenous miRNA and/or down-regulating at least one miRNA using an agent which hybridizes to the miRNA in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) or down-regulating Related to testis-specific, vespid and pathogenesis protein 1 (RTVP-1).

Abstract: A method of treating a lymphocyte mediated inflammation in a subject including administering a therapeutically effective amount of a cell delivery composition to the subject, the cell delivery composition of the application including an immunosuppressive cell and a plurality of targeting moieties that bind to endothelial cell adhesion molecules expressed by endothelial cells as a result of a lymphocyte mediated inflammatory response in the subject, the targeting moieties coated on and linked to the immunosuppressive cell and enhancing adherence of the immunosuppressive cell to an endothelial cell at a site of lymphocyte mediated inflammation when administered to the subject systemically, wherein the cell delivery composition, suppresses lymphocyte mediated inflammation in the subject.

Abstract: The invention relates to a porous material for body fluid treatment for promoting lymphocyte proliferation in lymphocyte culture which contains a high-molecular compound having an angle of contact with water within the range of 40 to 98°, and a porous material for body fluid treatment which comprises activated carbon; and also relates to a treatment device wherein the porous material is used; a method for proliferating lymphocytes; a method for producing mammalian lymphocytes; a method for producing a pharmaceutical composition; an additive body fluid to be added to a culture medium on the occasion of lymphocyte culture; a method for treating a disease against which a therapeutic effect is produced by returning extracorporeally activated mammalian lymphocytes into the body; and a method of manufacturing the porous materials for body fluid treatment for promoting the lymphocyte proliferation in lymphocyte culture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of at least one antibody which binds to the SUSD2 antigen, or to functional fragments of the antibody, in combination with at least one of the following: an antibody which binds to CD140b, an antibody which binds to CD56, and/or an antibody which binds to TNAP, or functional fragments thereof, for isolation of mesenchymal stem cells, especially those having particularly chondrocytic and osteogenic differentiation potential.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing a cytotoxic lymphocyte characterized in that the method comprises the step of carrying out at least one step selected from induction, maintenance and expansion of a cytotoxic lymphocyte using a medium containing serum and plasma at a total concentration of 0% by volume or more and less than 5% by volume, in the presence of fibronectin, a fragment thereof or a mixture thereof.

Abstract: A synthetic scaffold for replacing at least a portion of an airway includes an airway mold, one or more structural ribs on the airway mold, and a non-structural wall. Each of the one or more structural ribs is formed from a first material and the non-structural wall is formed from a second material. The non-structural wall coats the airway mold and forms a conduit that incorporates the one or more structural ribs.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of expanding myeloid progenitor cells by culturing an initial population of cells in a medium comprising a mixture of cytokines and growth factors that promote growth and expansion of the myeloid progenitor cells. The expanded cell population provides a source of cells as therapeutic treatments for neutropenia and/or thrombocytopenia arising in patients subjected to myeloablative therapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods, kits and compositions for expansion of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells and providing hematopoietic function to human patients in need thereof. In one aspect, it relates to kits and compositions comprising a Notch agonist and an aryl hydrocarbon receptor antagonist. Also provided herein are methods for expanding the hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells using kits and compositions comprising a Notch agonist and an aryl hydrocarbon receptor antagonist. The hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells expanded using the disclosed kits, compositions and methods include human umbilical cord blood stem/progenitor cells, placental cord blood stem/progenitor cells and peripheral blood stem cells. The present invention also relates to administering hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells expanded using a combination of a Notch agonist and an aryl hydrocarbon receptor antagonist to a patient for short-term and/or long-term in vivo repopulation benefits.

Abstract: The invention provides improved methods for cell therapy. In particular, the invention provides therapeutic compositions of enhanced hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells having improved engraftment and homing properties, and methods of making the therapeutic compositions. The invention further provides methods of improving the efficacy of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell transplantation including transplanting the therapeutic composition to subjects in need of hematopoietic system reconstitution.

Abstract: Blood-derived plastic articles prepared from compositions including blood and, in some embodiments, at least one crosslinking agent and/or at least one biological response modifier, that can be useful for biological applications such as wound repair and tissue grafts; methods of making and using the same; methods for assessing the concentration of a biological response modifier in an article; and systems for preparing blood-derived plastic articles are provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for identifying the characteristics of a liquid sample due to capillary force are disclosed. The apparatus and the method spread the blood sample (which is obtained from the blood of a subject, or a mixture containing the blood of two different subjects) having an agglutination portion in a distribution space due to the capillary force.

Abstract: A composite comprising a stem cell; a biodegradable layer, which can provide an environment for the stem cell to grow and to differentiate, and; a N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm), which can polymerize with the biodegradable layer and possess the temperature-responsive character for easy stripping. The present invention further provides a method for treating a patient with a skin defect, consisting of (a) providing said patient with a composite consisting of a N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) layer polymerized with a biodegradable layer containing gelatin and a layer of polypropylene (PP) non-woven, wherein a bone marrow derived mononuclear cell with CD45 negative and glycophorin A negative is cultivating on the biodegradable layer; (b) covering said composite on the skin defect of the patient; and (c) treating the composite with water below 25° C. to strip off the layer of polypropylene (PP) non-woven.