Abstract: This document provides methods and materials related to differentiating iPS cells into glucose-responsive, insulin-secreting progeny. For example, methods and material for using indolactam V (ILV) and glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1) to produce glucose-responsive, insulin-secreting progeny from iPS cells are provided.

Abstract: A method of preserving cone cells in the eye of a mammal suffering from a retinal degenerative disease comprises isolating from the bone marrow of the mammal a lineage negative hematopoietic stem cell population that includes endothelial progenitor cells, transfecting cells from the stem cell population with a gene that operably encodes an antiangiogenic fragment of human tryptophanyl tRNA synthetase (TrpRS), and subsequently intravitreally injecting the transfected cells into the eye of the mammal in an amount sufficient to inhibit the degeneration of cone cells in the retina of the eye. The treatment may be enhanced by stimulating proliferation of activated astrocytes in the retina using a laser.

Abstract: Described herein is a method for modulating an immune reaction between lymphocytes and a body recognized by the lymphocytes as foreign. The method exploits the immunomodulating activity of a new class of progenitor cells termed HUCPVCs derived from the perivascular region of human umbilical cord. The method can also emply soluble factors exuded by cultured HUCPVCs. The method is useful to treat immune disorders including graft versus host disease, autoimmune disorders, and the like.

Abstract: The invention features methods for separating cells from a sample (e.g., separating fetal red blood cells from maternal blood). The method begins with the introduction of a sample including cells into one or more microfluidic channels. In one embodiment, the device includes at least two processing steps. For example, a mixture of cells is introduced into a microfluidic channel that selectively allows the passage of a desired type of cell, and the population of cells enriched in the desired type is then introduced into a second microfluidic channel that allows the passage of the desired cell to produce a population of cells further enriched in the desired type. The selection of cells is based on a property of the cells in the mixture, for example, size, shape, deformability, surface characteristics (e.g., cell surface receptors or antigens and membrane permeability), or intracellular properties (e.g., expression of a particular enzyme).

Abstract: Tolerogenic populations of dendritic cells are provided, where the dendritic cells are characterized by expression of select tissue-specific homing receptors including the chemokine receptors CCR9; or CMKLR1; or the integrin CD103. The dendritic cells may be conventional/myeloid or plasmacytoid dendritic cells. The cells may be isolated from lymphoid tissue, from blood, or from in vitro culture, e.g. bone marrow culture, etc. Methods are provided for their identification, isolation and targeting in immunotherapeutic interventions in suppressing inflammatory disorders including autoimmunity, transplantation responses and allergic diseases. In some embodiments dendritic cell populations are fixed to render them immunosuppressive, thus allowing the cells to be typed and banked for future use.

Abstract: A substantially pure population of human somatic cells that have enhanced potential to become induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) is provided. Also provided are methods for generating this population of cells and methods for generating iPS cells from this population of cells.

Abstract: Methods of treating autoimmune diseases, allergic responses, cancer, or inflammatory diseases in an animal, promoting would healing, repairing epithelial damage and promoting angiogenesis in an organ or tissue of an animal by administering to the animal mesenchymal stem cells in an effective amount.

Abstract: A method of obtaining expanded and activated natural killer (NK) cells with the phenotype CD3?CD56+ and NK-like T cells with the phenotype CD3+CD56+ comprises providing a cell sample of peripheral blood from a tumor bearing subject; isolating cells from the blood sample and re-suspending the cells in growth medium; adding the isolated cells to a closed cell culture bag bioreactor at a concentration of about 0.5×106 to about 2×106/ml of growth medium; incubating and expanding the cells of step ii) with rocking motion agitation and heating until at least 50% of the expanded cell population comprises activated NK cells and NK-like T cells; and harvesting the expanded cell suspension of therapeutically active NK-cells and NK-like T cells from the bioreactor, wherein the cells exhibit an increased cytotoxicity compared to freshly isolated cells as determined by an in vitro cytotoxicity test.

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 invention relates to an expression cassette including a gene of interest under the control of an inducible promoter, characterized in that said inducible promoter includes at least one CARE regulatory sequence (C/EBP-ATF responsive element) and a minimal promoter. The invention also relates to a vector and a host cell, as well as to a pharmaceutical composition including such a cassette, and to the use thereof for treating diseases by gene therapy.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for increasing telomere length in one or more human adult cells and/or increasing genome stability of one or more human adult cells, for example by contacting one or more human adult cells with an agent that increases expression of Zscan4 in the one or more human adult cells. Methods of treating a subject in need of telomere lengthening, treating a disease or condition associated with a telomere abnormality, of rejuvenating one or more human adult cells, of rejuvenating tissues or organs, and of rejuvenating a subject in need thereof, for example by contacting one or more human adult cells in the subject with an agent that increases expression of Zscan4, or by administering to a subject in need thereof, an agent that increases expression of Zscan4 is also provided.

Abstract: This disclosure describes methods for differentiating T cells and NK cells in vitro from hematopoietic stem cells or precursor cells. The technology is directed to methods for the production of selected populations of lymphocytes, such as T cells and NK cells. The availability of such cell populations allows for the complete reconstitution of a depleted, defective or missing lymphocyte population in a patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and kits for measuring a cell-mediated immune (CMI) in a small volume of whole undiluted blood collected from a subject. In particular, the methods are for measuring responses in undiluted whole blood samples having a volume of, for example, 50 ?l to 500 ?l. Thus, capillary sampling and rapid testing of subjects including pediatric, adult or geriatric human subjects are facilitated.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of treating tumors and other conditions characterized by abnormal neoangiogenesis by inhibiting bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to eukaryotic cells comprising single-celled organisms that are introduced into the eukaryotic cell through human intervention and which transfer to daughter cells of the eukaryotic cell through at least five cell divisions, and methods of introducing such single-celled organisms into eukaryotic cells. The invention also provides methods of using such eukaryotic cells. The invention further provides single-celled organisms that introduce a phenotype to eukaryotic cells that is maintained in daughter cells. The invention additionally provides eukaryotic cells containing magnetotactic bacteria.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for modifying glycans (e.g., glycans expressed on the surface of live cells or cell particles) are provided herein.

Abstract: Materials and methods are provided to improve survival of lymph nodes and integration of lymph nodes into a lymphatic network, following lymph node transplantation. The treatment or prevention of lymphedema is also addressed. A method of lymph node transfer includes transferring or transplanting a lymph node or lymph node fragment in a mammalian subject; and administering a composition comprising an agent selected from the group consisting of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C (VEGF-C) polynucleotides, VEGF-C polypeptides, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor D (VEGF-D) polynucleotides, and VEGF-D polypeptides to a perinodal site within 20 cm of the lymph node or lymph node fragment. In certain embodiments, the agent is present in the composition in an amount effective to promote survival of the lymph node and integration of the lymph node into a lymphatic network in the mammalian subject, at the site of transfer or transplantation.

Abstract: A method of enhancing cell engraftment potential is provided. The method comprising ex-vivo or in-vitro subjecting a population of cells to an amount of nicotinamide for a period of time sufficient to effect the population of cells, thereby enhancing cell engraftment potential.

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 producing chondrocytes, improving the phenotype of a chondrocyte population, promoting chondrogenesis, maintaining a cell population in a differentiated state or increasing the number of cells of a population in a differentiated state, producing a population of differentiated cells, and treating certain diseases or disorders.

Abstract: The present application relates to an adaptable cell culture system that allows the application of mechanical strain to cells in culture through the displacement of a stretchable cell culture substrate. The system can apply dynamically heterogeneous strains to simulate the complex in vivo strain profiles on cultured cells, the strains including simulation of physiologic waveform such as a simulation of normal or diseased physiological biphasic stretch of the cardiac cycle, a simulation of normal or diseased physiological arterial waveform, or a cyclic mechanical strain. The system is modular and compatible with commercially available cell culture plate formats and robotic liquid handling devices. The system has a variety of applications including screening compounds for cardio toxicity or therapeutic activity, and identifying drug target, all using cell culture under the mechanical strain applied by the system.

Abstract: Provided herein are kits for processing stem cells from bone marrow or umbilical cord blood, comprising: a) a precipitation reagent comprising an aqueous solution of 0.1-30% hydroxyethyl starch or 0.1-30% methyl cellulose, and 0.1-20% of cerebroprotein hydrolysate; and b) a separation reagent comprising an aqueous solution comprising Ficoll and diatrizoate and having a density of 1.0-1.2 g/ml, and methods of use. Further provided herein is a collection of stem cells obtained by the kits and methods disclosed herein comprising stem cells from bone marrow or umbilical cord blood, and uses thereof.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for differentiating pluripotent stem cells into cells of endothelial and hematopoietic lineages are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a spontaneously immortalized multipotent mesenchymal cell-line, wherein the cell-line has been isolated from mouse subcutaneous adipose tissue, and wherein the cell-line presents fibroblastoid morphology and expresses Sca-1, c-Kit/CD117, nestin, nucleostemin, CD44 and CD106 markers.

Abstract: The present invention is related generally to embryonic-like stem cells isolated from adult human peripheral blood, designated herein as peripheral blood-stem cells (PB-SC), which display the characteristics of embryonic stem cells and hematopoietic cells. These cells have the capability of proliferation and are able to differentiate to other types of cells. These cells are, therefore, suitable for use in stem cell-based therapies, particularly autologous stem cell therapies, for the treatment of various diseases such as neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, spinal cord damage, multiple sclerosis, cardiovascular disease, stroke and birth defects.

Abstract: Methods and kits for expanding a stem cell population, particularly a hematopoietic stem cell population, in the presence of a DNA methyltransferase modulator and a Wnt pathway modulator are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for the treatment of stroke comprising administering to a stroke victim placental stem cells, populations of cells comprising placental stem cells, and/or compositions comprising placental stem cells.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of modulation of the viability of a cell. Further disclosed herein are methods of modulating an immune response. Further disclosed herein are methods of identifying agents capable of modulation of the viability of a cell or an immune response. Further disclosed herein are agents and compositions capable of modulation of the viability of a cell or an immune response.

Abstract: Methods and compositions of erythroid cells that produce adult ?-hemoglobin, generated by culturing CD31+, CD31+/CD34+ or CD34+ cells from embryonic stem cells under serum-free culture conditions.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for delivering a polynucleotide encoding a gene of interest to a target cell using a virus. The virus envelope comprises a cell-specific binding determinant that recognizes and binds to a component on the target cell surface, leading to endocytosis of the virus. A separate fusogenic molecule is also present on the envelope and facilitates delivery of the polynucleotide across the membrane and into the cytosol of the target cell. The methods and related compositions can be used for treating patients having suffering from a wide range of conditions, including infection, such as HIV; cancers, such as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and breast cancer; and hematological disorders, such as severe combined immunodeficiency.

Abstract: A composition for deriving the maturation of dendritic cells includes complex cytokines generated by the simulation, the expression of which is induced on EBV-infected B cells. The dendritic cell maturation process, which conventionally takes approximately 7 days, can be shortened to 2 days, thereby producing dendritic cells in a more economically advantageous and effective manner.

Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a kit is described. The kit includes primed living cells joined to and at least partially within a three-dimensional hydrogel structure and an isolated polypeptide having the carboxy-terminal amino acid sequence of an alpha Connexin, or a conservative variant thereof, wherein the polypeptide does not include the full length alpha Connexin protein.

Abstract: A method for assessing whether a patient subjected to an antigen-specific Tr1 cell therapy is responding to the treatment, includes: determining in vitro the antigen-specific proliferation of T cells contained in a cell sample from the patient; and comparing the antigen-specific proliferation to a standard reference, thereby determining whether the patient is responding or not to the treatment.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and related compositions for inducing differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) into hemogenic endothelium with pan-myeloid potential or restricted potential, by forced expression in the hPSCs of a combination of transcription factors as described herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, kits, and compositions for reducing an innate immune system response in a human or animal cell, tissue or organism. One embodiment comprises: introducing an Agent mRNA comprising in vitro-synthesized mRNA encoding one or more proteins that affect the induction, activity or response of an innate immune response pathway; whereby, the innate immune response in the cell, tissue or organism is reduced compared to the innate immune response in the absence of the Agent mRNA. Other embodiments are methods, compositions and kits for using an Agent mRNA for treating a disease or medical condition in a human or animal that exhibits symptoms of an elevated innate immune system, or for reducing an innate immune response that is induced in a human or animal cell, tissue or organism by a Foreign Substance that is administered to the cell, tissue or organism.

Abstract: Disclosed are recombinant stem cells that are resistant to HIV infection. Also disclosed are their uses in treating AIDS.

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: Compositions and methods for reducing or preventing graft-versus-host disease associated with allogeneic stem cell transplantation are described. A method includes harvesting hematopoietic cells from a patient with an immunologic disorder and harvesting hematopoietic cells from a donor. The harvested hemaptopoietic cells from the patient and the donor are mixed ex vivo for a period of time sufficient to activate lymphocytes within the hematopoietic cells harvested from the donor such that an immune reaction occurs and an activated portion and an unactivated portion is produced. A rhodamine B derivative is then added to the mixture of cells and the mixture is irradiated at a suitable wavelength and intensity for the selective destruction and/or inactivation of the activated portion without substantially affecting the unactivated portion or causing systemic toxicity in said patient. The irradiated cells are then infused into the patient.

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. In a blood component separator 1 for separating collected blood into a plurality of blood components and preserving them, the separator 1 including a blood reservoir 10 for reserving the blood and a component storage part 20 aseptically connected in an air-tight manner to this blood reservoir 10, to the aforementioned blood reservoir 10 being imparted a serum producing function to remove coagulation factors from the blood to an extent enabling use in practical applications as a serum, and the aforementioned component storage part 20 storing each blood component generated by separation of the blood in the blood reservoir 10.

Abstract: The invention provides T cell receptors (TCRs) having antigenic specificity for a cancer antigen, e.g., tyrosinase. Also provided are related polypeptides, proteins, nucleic acids, recombinant expression vectors, isolated host cells, populations of cells, and pharmaceutical compositions. The invention further provides a method of detecting the presence of cancer in a host and a method of treating or preventing cancer in a host using the inventive TCRs or related materials.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of generating megakaryocyte lineage cells from hematopoietic stem cells in the absence of feeder cells and serum. The megakaryocyte progenitor cells (MKPs) generated as described result in rapid production of significant numbers of platelets when administered in vivo.

Abstract: A method for formulating T-cells for use as a medicant comprises activating the T-cells by incubating the T-cells in a nutrient culture media with an activating agent. The T-cells together with the activating agent are suspended in a media suitable for infusion. The activated T-cells are packaged together with the activating agent in a container suitable for administration to a patient.

Abstract: This invention relates to the culture of dendritic cells from human embryonic stem (ES) cells. Human ES cells are first cultured into hematopoietic cells by co-culture with stromal cells. The cells now differentiated into the hematopoietic lineage are then cultured with GM-CSF to create a culture of myeloid precursor cells. Culture of the myeloid precursor cells with the cytokines GM-CSF and IL-4 causes functional dendritic cells to be generated. The dendritic cells have a unique phenotype, as indicated by their combination of cell surface markers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to injectable compositions comprising biocompatible, hydrophilic, non-toxic and substantially spherical microspheres associated with stem cells useful for tissue construction and generation. The invention also relates to methods of tissue construction and generation, for the treatment of various tissue damage and defects, using the injectable compositions.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include the use of placental alkaline phosphatase alone or in combination with human transferrin and, optionally, human ?1-antitrypsin to enhance the proliferation and survival of transplanted stem cells and stem cell-derived progenitor cells.

Abstract: A method for concentrating and isolating nucleated cells, such as a maternal and fetal nucleated red blood cells (NRBC's), in a maternal whole blood sample. The invention also provides methods and apparatus for preparing to analyze and analyzing the sample for identification of fetal genetic material as part of prenatal genetic testing. The invention also pertains to methods and apparatus for discriminating fetal nucleated red blood cells from maternal nucleated red blood cells obtained from a blood sample taken from a pregnant woman.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions and methods for increasing bone growth and/or enhancing wound healing, for example, fracture repair. The disclosure provides recombinant nucleic acids useful for promoting bone growth. For example, the disclosure provides recombinant nucleic acids that encode a fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) analog. The disclosure also provides vectors and cells incorporating these nucleic acids, as well as FGF-2 analogs encode by them. The disclosure also provides a mouse system of bone marrow transplantation and methods for producing as well as methods for using the system. Methods for inducing division and/or inducing differentiation of a hematopoietic stem cell are also provided, as are methods for enhancing bone growth and/or wound repair (for example, fracture repair).

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an ex vivo method of producing a population of cells and materials for use therewith. More particularly, the present invention is directed to an ex vivo method of generating the growth of a population of blood-derived cells and materials for use therewith. The method of the present invention facilitates cell growth by virtue of the migration of blood-derived cells from the vasculature of a vascularised receptacle to the acellular tissue support matrix of said receptacle. These findings have now facilitated the design of means for reliably and efficiently deriving cellular populations from blood-derived cells, such as the generation of bone marrow cells including haemopoietic stem cells and mesenchymal stem cells, for use in a wide variety of clinical and research settings.

Abstract: A system and method for forming a bone construct include providing bone marrow stromal cells on a substrate without disposing the cells within an exogenous scaffold, and culturing the cells in vitro in osteogenic media such that the cells form a confluent monolayer and detach from the substrate to form a self-organized three-dimensional bone construct. A system and method for forming a ligament construct using fibrogenic media and a system and method for forming a functionally integrated bone-ligament construct are also provided.

Abstract: A filter and a method treat blood borne carcinomas by inducing apoptosis in carcinoma cells. The filter includes comprises a stent having an interior wall defining a channel containing a packing material and at least one antineoplastic agent. The method includes placing a patient's blood in apposition of the antineoplastic agent by pumping the blood through the stent. The blood remains in apposition to the antineoplastic agent for a sufficient time period to induce an apoptotic cascade.