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.

Abstract: A method to determine an analyte concentration of an anticoagulated plasma by performing at least two different measurements on a mixture of a blood sample corresponding to said anticoagulant plasma and of liquid reagent is described. The method comprises a) mixing a volume of said blood sample with a five-fold, or more, volume of said liquid reagent, b) performing said at least two measurements on said mixture, at least one of which correlates with the hematocrit of said blood sample and at least one of which correlates with said analyte concentration, and c) computing the results from the measurements when the volumes in a) are precise and accurate or when the hematocrit of said blood sample in b) is known to determine said analyte concentration of said anticoagulated plasma. In addition, a measurement and determination device for performing measurements on blood, anticoagulated blood and/or anticoagulated plasma samples, and an equipment kit are described.

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

Abstract: An isolated human cell and populations thereof is provided comprising at least one astrocytic phenotype and at least one mesenchymal stem cell phenotype, wherein the mesenchymal stem cell phenotype is not an astrocytic phenotype.

Abstract: An objective of the present invention is to provide methods for producing dendritic cells (DCs), which comprise the step of culturing DC precursor cells in the presence of a plurality of cytokines, produced dendritic cells, and uses thereof. The present inventors discovered that dendritic cells with a high IL-12 productivity can be obtained by culturing DC precursor cells in the presence of a plurality of cytokines, followed by about one week of culture in the presence of GM-CSF and IL-4. The present invention enables preparation of a large amount of DCs with a high IL-12 productivity from a small number of DC precursor cells, and therefore makes it easier to increase the number of DCs for administration in DC-based anti-tumor immune therapy, treatment of infections, etc. Thus, the effect of DC vaccines is expected to be enhanced.

Abstract: Methods for the maximizing parameter of the in vitro growth and expansion of mammalian cells, specifically postpartum-derived cells in containers such as roller bottles is described. Methods of optimizing growth rate and cell yield in such culture systems are provided. The methods are particularly adapted for human postpartum-derived cells, such as umbilicus-derived cells.

Abstract: A method of expanding hematopoietic stem cells. Also disclosed is a method of diagnosing primary or secondary bone marrow failure syndrome. The invention further includes a method of treating primary or secondary bone marrow failure syndrome.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing human mast cells from human pluripotent stem cells. More particularly, the present invention provides a method for producing human mast cells from human pluripotent stem cells, comprising the steps of: (a) culturing human pluripotent stem cells under a condition suitable for promoting differentiation of the human pluripotent stem cells into hematopoietic progenitor cells expressing CD34; and (b) culturing the cells obtained in step (a) in the presence of hematopoietic factors comprising thrombopoietin (TPO) and Flt3 ligand.

Abstract: The present invention relates to generation of cell lines expressing recombinant proteins for use in naked and encapsulated cell biodelivery of secreted therapeutic molecules. In one embodiment the cell line is human. In another aspect of the invention the transposon system is used for generating a cell line for secretion of a biologically active polypeptide.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are activated NK cells that exhibit durable and prolonged activity in the absence of the activating agent and retain their activated state after preservation. Methods of administrating the NK cells to a patient do not require co-administration of the activating agent, and thus, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the NK cells may remain substantially free of the activating agent.

Abstract: Red blood cells can be used as effective drug delivery systems when they contain proteins that do not readily diffuse out and which form affinity complexes with the desired drug.

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

Abstract: The present invention discloses protein fragment including a cell binding region of fibronectin and methods of using the same for cell culture. Additionally, surfaces modified with such protein fragment and compositions including the same are provided. Desirably, such surfaces allow various cells to adhere thereto yet avoid issues associated with animal-derived products.

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 CD34+/CXCR-4+ cells having CXCR-4-mediated chemotactic activity, methods of preparing these compositions and use of these compositions to treat or repair vascular injury, including infarcted myocardium.

Abstract: A method is provided, including obtaining a population of antigen-presenting cells, enriching a population of stem/progenitor cells within a larger population of cells, activating the population of 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 antigen-presenting cells. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides preparations of MSCs with important therapeutic potential. The MSC cells are non-primary cells with an antigen profile comprising less than about 1.25% CD45+ cells (or less than about 0.75% CD45+), at least about 95% CD105+ cells, and at least about 95% CD166+ cells. Optionally, MSCs of the present preparations are isogenic and can be expanded ex vivo and cryopreserved and thawed, yet maintain a stable and uniform phenotype. Methods are taught here of expanding these MSCs to produce a clinical scale therapeutic preparations and medical uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses compositions for deriving, maintaining, and growing pluripotent and germ-line competent mammalian embryonic stem cells, and for deriving, maintaining, and growing adult human stem cells and/or adult early progenitor cells. Such compositions comprising a conditioned medium of a cell line expressing limited amounts of Leukemia Inhibitory Factor (LIF). The media of the present invention are used or for the generation of pluripotent and germ-line competent embryonic stem cells of mammals, and for the generation of adult human stem cells and/or adult early progenitor cells.

Abstract: The present invention discloses novel dendritic cell maturation-inducing cytokine cocktails, and methods for inducting type-1 polarized dendritic cells in serum-free conditions which enhance the desirable properties of DC1s generated in serum-supplemented cultures. The invention further discloses methods and systems using IFN? and other ligands of the IFN? receptor, in combination with IFN? (or other type I interferons), poly I:C, and other IFN? (and IFN?) inducers to enhance the IL-12-producing properties of dendritic cells. More specifically, the present invention discloses type-1 polarized dendritic cells that have a unique combination of a fully-mature status and an elevated, instead of “exhausted”, ability to produce IL-12p70. allows for the generation of fully-mature DC1s in serum-free AIM-V medium.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new type of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) which co-express at least one mesenchymal marker, preferably at least CD105 and CD34. Also provided are bone-forming cells having an analogous phenotype. The invention also provides the cells and cell populations, as well as further products comprising such and uses thereof in bone therapy.

Abstract: A method is provided for use with extracted blood, including (a) applying blood to a first gradient suitable for selecting first-pass cells having a density less than 1.077 g/ml; (b) applying the first-pass cells to a second gradient suitable for selecting second-pass cells having a density between 1.055 and 1.074 g/ml; (c) increasing the number of cells having a density between 1.055 and 1.074 g/ml, by culturing the second-pass cells for a period lasting between 3 and 30 days; and (d) identifying endothelial progenitor cells in the cultured cells. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition and methods of treatment for inflammation comprising of adult stem cells and inflammatory cytokines. The invention further relates to the treatment of inflammation associated with autoimmune disorders, allergies, sepsis, cancer as well as to preventing, reducing or treating transplant rejection and/or graft-versus-host disease (GvHD).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for in vitro maturation of at least one immature dendritic cell, comprising stimulating said immature dendritic cell with TNF?, IL- 1?, IFN?, a TLR7/8 agonist and prostaglandin E2 (PG). Furthermore, the invention relates to a composition comprising these factors as well as to mature dendritic cells produced by a method of the invention.

Abstract: It is intended to provide a serum which contains a large amount of growth factors capable of efficiently promoting the growth of stem cells. A human serum for cell culture which shows a residual ratio of platelets remaining within 20 minutes after blood collection in relation to the whole amount of the platelets is 0% to 20%, and a release ratio of cell growth factors is 20% to 100%.

Abstract: Highly potent dendritic cells are generated in vivo or ex vivo by exposing precursor cells to an effective dose of IL-32.

Abstract: The invention relates to dendritic cells produced from human induced pluripotent stems cells (iPSC). The invention also relates to methods for making and methods of using the dendritic cells of the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods related to rendering ineffective Th1 T cells resistant to the inhibitory cytokine milieu present in a cancer microenvironment. Tumor-specific T cells are modified to employ a chimeric receptor that binds inhibitory/suppressive cytokines and converts their intracellular consequences to a Th1 immunostimulatory/activating signal. The T cells employ a chimeric antigen receptor having exodomains for IL10, IL13 and/or IL4 fused with the signal transducing endodomains for IL2 and/or IL7.

Abstract: The invention relates to a purified, novel anti-inflammatory population of macrophage and methods of making and using such macrophage.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the identification and isolation of mammalian HLA-G+ MSC, HLA-E+ MSC, or HLA-G4VHLA-E+ MSC. The methods of the invention provide a means to obtain enriched HLA-G+ MSC, HLA-E+ MSC, or HLA-G+/HLA-E+ MSC populations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a culture medium suitable for inducing dendritic cell differentiation comprising an effective amount of secretory immunoglobulins A (SIgA) and also to a method for obtaining a population of tolerogenic dendritic cells from cells, in particular monocytes. The present invention relates to uses of tolerogenic dendritic cells thus obtained in therapy and in induction of transplant tolerance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cancer vaccines and more particularly to compositions and methods for producing activated antigen presenting cells (dendritic cells, macrophages, monocytes, or other cells capable of presenting antigen to T lymphocytes); to pharmaceutical compositions including such cells; and to methods of using such cells (e.g., in treating patients who are suffering from or at risk of developing cancer).

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: Provided are a system and methods for selectively inducing expansion of a population of T cells in the absence of exogenous growth factors, such as lymphokines, and accessory cells for research purposes. The cell based expansion system and methods permit the long-term growth of CTLs, preferably human CTLs. In addition, T cell proliferation can be induced without the need for antigen, thus providing an expanded T cell population that is polyclonal with respect to antigen reactivity. Further provided are methods for using the system and methods to screen and identify antigens related to specific diseases or conditions, tumors, autoimmune disorders, or an infectious disease or pathogen, and to identify target molecule for research purposes, or for developing a vaccine based thereon.

Abstract: Methods for producing compositions of decellularized extracellular matrix (DM) tissue culture are described. The compositions can be used for coating supports such as tissue culture substrates, osteogenic gels, and medical devices.

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: This disclosure is directed to systems for separating a target analyte from a suspension. A suspension is added to a tube. A float is also added to the tube, and the tube, float, and suspension are centrifuged together, causing the constituent components of the suspension to separate into different layers along the axial length of the tube according to their specific gravities. The float has a specific gravity that positions the float at approximately the same level as a layer containing the target analyte, when the tube, float and sample are centrifuged. Prior to isolation, the material may be located between an outer surface of the float and an inner surface of the tube, or within a central bore that extends longitudinally through the float. The target analyte may then be drawn into a compartment within the float, thereby isolating the target analyte from the other suspension constituents.

Abstract: A method of in vitro fucosylation of selectin ligands on cord blood-derived hematopoietic stem cells for bone marrow transplantation is disclosed. In this method, an effective amount of an ?1,3-fucosyltransferase, e.g., ?1,3-fucosyltransferase VI, is used in vitro to treat cord blood-derived hematopoietic stem cells to convert non-functional PSGL-1 or other ligands on the cell surface into functional forms that bind selectins, especially P-selectin or E-selectin. The treated cells have enhanced effectiveness in reconstituting bone marrow in patients in need of such therapy.

Abstract: Methods and kits for propagating hematopoietic stem cells are provided. The methods comprise culturing cells in medium comprising one or more angiopoietin-like proteins, under conditions sufficient for expansion of HSCs. Angiopoietin-like proteins include angiopoietin-like protein 2, angiopoietin-like protein 3, angiopoietin-like protein 4, angiopoietin-like protein 5, angiopoietin-like protein 7, and microfibrillar-associated glycoprotein (Mfap4). Methods for identifying hematopoietic stem cells are provided and isolated hematopoietic stem cells are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the modulation of TN 17 responses. The invention provides compositions for the induction of TN 17 responses containing a TLR agonist and an apoptotic cell-associated agent or containing a microbe-infected apoptotic cell. The compositions of the present invention may also contain dendritic cells capable inducing TN 17 responses. In other embodiments, the invention provides compositions for the inhibition of TN 17 responses containing one or more blocking agents. Methods and compositions for the modulation of TN 17 responses and for the treatment of TN 17-associated diseases and for cancer are also provided.

Abstract: A formulation and method for cultivating dendritic killer cells is disclosed in the present invention. The formulation comprises an effective amount of at least one cytokine and the abovementioned cytokine is IL-15. Furthermore, the method for cultivating dendritic killer cells at least comprises the following steps. A peripheral blood mononuclear cell population is obtained from human blood at first. Effective amounts of the cytokines in the formulation mentioned above are then added into the peripheral blood mononuclear cell population and the abovementioned peripheral blood mononuclear cell population is placed for a first appropriate period.

Abstract: The present invention provides a formulation and method for preparing specific T cells, and a method for fabricating the above formulation is also disclosed. The formulation can induce specific T cell responses and comprises at least a cell population of dendritic killer cells presenting specific antigens. In addition, the method mentioned above for preparing specific T cells comprises following steps. A cell population of T cells is provided at first. And then, a formulation of preparing specific T cells is added to mix with the cell population of T cells. After cultivating, the specific T cells are harvested. Furthermore, the method for fabricating the above formulation comprises the following steps. First, a cell population of dendritic killer cells is provided. A target sample is then provided, and a step of making the cell population of the dendritic killer cells co-cultivate with the target sample is performed.

Abstract: A method for identifying and screening dendritic killer cells (DKC) is disclosed in the present invention, and the method is to identify a plurality of cell surface markers selected from a group consisting of HLA-G?, CD14?, CD3-, CD19?, CD56dim and HLA-DR+. The method for screening DKC from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) comprises the following steps. A first cell population with regular cell size is provided and a second cell population is then sorted out from the first cell population by screening the phenotype of CD14 and HLA-G therein. A third cell group is further sorted out from the second cell population by screening the phenotype of CD19 and CD3 therein. Finally, DKC will be identified out of the third cell population by screening the phenotype of CD56 and HLA-DR.

Abstract: A population of somatic stem cells and a method of preparing same. Also disclosed are two subpopulations thereof and their various uses.

Abstract: The Eph (erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular carcinoma) receptors and their cell surface anchored ligands, the Ephrins, comprise the largest of the receptor tyrosine kinases families with 14 receptors and 8 ligands. The receptors are subdivided into Eph-A and Eph-B categories and have known actions in the development of the vascular and nervous system. The present invention relates to an isolated mesenchymal stem cell selected from the group consisting of an isolated mesenchymal stem cell that expresses Ephrin-B2, an isolated mesenchymal stem cell that over-expresses Ephrin-B2, and an isolated mesenchymal stem cell that is genetically modified to increase Ephrin-B2 expression. The invention further relates to the various applications of the isolated mesenchymal stem cells of the present invention.

Abstract: Methods of producing a three-dimensional, physiologically relevant immune tissue system, including culturing an immune cell and at least one other cell type separately; placing immune cell and the at least one other cell type in a low fluid shear environment for a time period; and co-culturing the cells under conditions selected to produce a three-dimensional immune tissue system with physiologically relevant characteristics.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a composition for inducing or activating dendritic cell-like cells so as to treat or prevent cancer by immunotherapy is provided. Specifically, the following is provided: an agent for activating cancer immunity, which comprises, as an active ingredient, the following REIC protein: (a) a protein consisting of the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2; or (b) a protein consisting of an amino acid sequence derived from the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 by substitution, deletion, or addition of one or more amino acid(s) and having the activity of inducing differentiation from monocytes into dendritic cell-like cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides an immunotherapeutic agent and immunotherapy allowing the extension of the survival time of patients with pancreatic cancer. The immunotherapy of the present invention is characterized by comprising the steps of culturing peripheral blood lymphocytes of a patient with pancreatic cancer by stimulating the lymphocytes with an anti-CD3 antibody and an anti-CD52 antibody, thereby to obtain an immunotherapeutic agent, and administering at least four infusions of the resultant immunotherapeutic agent to the same patient, wherein each of the infusions of the immunotherapeutic agent comprises at least 15×109 cells of activated lymphocytes, the percentage of CD3? CD56+ NK cells in the activated lymphocytes is at least 30%, and the administration of the immunotherapeutic agent is begun for the patient who is in at least one state of two or more particular immunocompromised states.

Abstract: Activated antigen-presenting cells that can induce immunocytes including disease antigen-specific CD8+ CTLs and/or ?? T cells efficiently in vivo and/or in vitro, a medical composition comprising the activated antigen-presenting cells, a treatment and prevention method using the activated antigen-presenting cells, and an induction method of immunocytes including disease antigen-specific CTLs and/or ?? T cells induced using the activated antigen-presenting cell, immunocytes induced by the above-noted method, a medical composition comprising the immunocytes, and a treatment and prevention method using the immunocytes are provided. By co-pulsing antigen-presenting cells with bisphosphonate in addition to the pulse with a disease antigen, the ratio of disease antigen-specific CD8+ CTLs and/or ?? T cells and the number of the disease antigen-specific CD8+ CTLs and the ?? T cells can be increased, compared with the case where the co-pulse with bisphosphonate is not carried out.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rapid, non-invasive and highly specific and sensitive diagnostic assay for the identification of individuals with autoimmune chronic urticaria, which makes use of CD203c, and in some embodiments, additional proteins, as a marker for the disease. Test kits for diagnosis of an individual suspected of having autoimmune chronic urticaria are also disclosed. Also disclosed are a method of identifying compounds useful for treating autoimmune chronic urticaria and a method of treating autoimmune chronic urticaria.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for culturing a suspension of immortalized human blood cells, preferably cells of myeloid leukaemia origin or cells derived therefrom, wherein said method provides a high productivity, a high cell viability and growth rate and a high batch-to-batch consistency, and can be scaled up without altering these parameters.

Abstract: Disclosed are isolated human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells having high telomerase activity (tBMMSCs). Also disclosed are isolated human CD34+ bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. Also disclosed are bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells treated with a telomerase induction agent.