Abstract: A method including in vitro stimulating a core cell population (CCP) of at least 5 million cells that have a density of less than 1.072 g/ml, and at least 1.5% of which are CD34+CD45?/dim, to differentiate into a neural progenitor/precursor cell population (NPCP). Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: The expansion of a population of stem cells or progenitor cells, or precursors thereof, may be accomplished by disrupting or inhibiting p21cip1/waf1 and/or p27, cyclin dependent kinase inhibitors. In the absence of p27 activity, progenitor cells move into the cell cycle and proliferate; whereas in the absence of p21 activity, stem cells move into the cell cycle and proliferate without losing their pluripotentiality (i.e., their ability to differentiate into the various cell lines found in the blood stream). Any type of stem cell or progenitor cell, or precursor thereof, including, but not limited to, hematopoietic, gastrointestinal, lung, neural, skin, muscle, cardiac muscle, renal, mesenchymal, embryonic, fetal, or liver cell may be used in accordance with the invention.

Abstract: Provided are compositions and methods for in vitro generation and in vivo use of tissue for the repair of defective tissue, especially cartilage. Chondrocytes or other cells are cultured in vitro in a biodegradable amorphous carrier within the confines of a space bounded by a semi-permeable membrane with a molecular weight cut-off of greater than 100 kDa. The culture can be subjected to physical/physicochemical conditions that mimic in vivo conditions of the tissue in need of repair or replacement. In one embodiment the invention provides an amorphous preparation of chondrocytes and their extracellular products, suitable for injection.

Abstract: The invention concerns the increased stabilization and activation of p73, a homologue of p53. Specifically, the inventors have determined that c-Jun, a component of the AP-1 family of transcription factors, is necessary for stabilization and activation of p73. Thus, there is provided a mechanism for initiating an apoptotic pathway involving c-June and p73 which can be exploited to combat cancers, particularly those lacking a functional p53.

Abstract: A method of propagating mammalian endodermally derived progenitors such as hepatic progenitors, their progeny, or mixtures thereof is developed which includes culturing mammalian progenitors, their progeny, or mixtures thereof on a layer of embryonic mammalian feeder cells in a culture medium. The culture medium can be supplemented with one or more hormones and other growth agents. These hormones and other growth agents can include insulin, dexamethasone, transferrin, nicotinamide, serum albumin, ?-mercaptoethanol, free fatty acid, glutamine, CuSO4, and H2SeO3. The culture medium can also include antibiotics. Importantly, the culture medium does not include serum. The invention includes means of inducing the differentiation of the progenitors to their adult fates such as the differentiation of hepatic progenitor cells to hepatocytes or biliary cells by adding, or excluding epidermal growth factor, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of choroid plexus cells and/or choroid plexus conditioned media for enhancing the growth, survival and/or maintenance of function of non-choroid plexus cells grown in long term or short term culture.

Abstract: Many cell types in the body can remove apoptotic and cellular debris from tissues; however, the professional phagocyte, or antigen presenting cell (“APC”), has a high capacity to do so. The recognition of apoptotic cells (“ACs”) occurs via a series of evolutionarily-conserved, AC associated molecular-pattern receptors (“ACAMPRs”) on APCs that recognize and bind corresponding apoptotic-cell-associated molecular patterns (“ACAMPs”). These receptors recognize ligands such as phosphotidyl serine and oxidized lipids found on apoptotic cells. Savill et al. (2002); and Gregory et al. (2004).

Abstract: The invention is directed to a chemically defined animal cell culture media, and methods for preparing such a medium, wherein the media are suitable for culturing epidermal cells, preferably human epidermal cells, including cells of the hair follicle. The invention further provides for methods of culturing epidermal cells, hair follicles, and skin explants in the media as well as uses of the cell cultures and explant cultures in screening assays.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for inducing the maturation of immature dendritic cells (DC) and for activating those cells without the use of a dendritic cell maturation agent. The activated DC can be used for inducing an antigen specific T cell response. Methods of the invention can also comprise the addition of a directional maturation agent, such as interferon gamma, to induce a Th-I and/or Th-2 bias in the response obtained. The present invention also provides dendritic cell populations useful for activating and for inducing antigen specific T cells. Similarly, activated antigen specific T cell populations, and methods of making the same are provided.

Abstract: Aggregates and their method of preparation suitable for implantation into a recipient in order to produce insulin in vivo. The methods involve culturing islet cells isolated from the pancreas of donor piglets with isolated Sertoli cells from the testes of donor piglets. A preferred period of culturing is 5 days and may be followed by a purification procedure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for propagating and/or differentiating mammalian cells, the method comprising exposing or co-culturing mammalian cells with one or more of periodontal ligament tissue, periodontal ligament proteins or factors derived from periodontal ligament tissue, to obtain cells having PDL characteristics and fulfilling at least one of the following: i) show periodontal characteristics as evidenced with Von Kossa method in which calcium phosphate deposits are stained brown to black, ii) show increased osteopontin and osteocalcin and at the same time decreased bone sialoprotein (bone sialoprotein II or BSP), iii) are capable of being implanted to repair and/or regenerate periodontal tissue, iv) are capable of repairing disorders such as paradentitis also called paradentosis, or periodontitis by healing of the gum line towards the teeth, and v) are accepted by the host without significant immune reaction or cell rejection.

Abstract: Methods and cell culture medium for the generation of human pluripotent embryonic stem cells are disclosed. Human embryonic stem cells are cultured with human granulosa feeder cells, muscle cells, Fallopian ductal epithelial cells, bone marrow stromal cells, and skin fibroblasts and the embryonic stem cells maintain their pluripotent phenotype. The human pluripotent embryonic stem cells can be cultured without feeder cells, and in the presence of supplemental growth factors. The human pluripotent embryonic stem cells can be alternatively cultured with conditioned medium obtained from a cell culture capable of maintaining human embryonic stem cells in a pluripotent state, wherein the cell culture is a human granulosa cell culture.

Abstract: The invention is directed to compositions and methods for reconstructing artificial female reproductive organs. The constructs and methods of the invention can be used for ameliorating congenital malformations and disorders of female reproductive tract using tissue engineered female reproductive organs, such as the uterus, vagina, cervix, and fallopian tubes. These tissue engineered female reproductive organs can be generated by perfusing cultured cell populations derived from cells of the female reproductive tissues, such as uterine, vaginal, cervical, fallopian tube epithelial cells as well as smooth muscle cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for treating multiple sclerosis by combining immunotherapy with myelin repair.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for more efficiently differentiating CD34+ cells derived from umbilical cord blood into megakaryocytic lineage cells and for generating platelets. Coculture of CD34+ cells derived from umbilical cord blood with immortalized stromal cells in the presence of cytokines has enabled cell proliferation up to the 100,000-fold level, which has been impossible to achieve to date.

Abstract: Single chain trimer (SCT) molecules are disclosed, comprising an MHC antigen peptide sequence, a ?2-microglobulin sequence and a full-length MHC class I heavy chain sequence, joined by linker sequences. Further described are nucleic acids encoding single chain trimers. Methods for expansion of antigen-specific T cell populations using single chain trimer molecules are also disclosed. In some configurations, these methods comprise co-culturing, in a first stage, CD8+ T cells from a donor with antigen presenting cells comprising an MHC antigen peptide, and co-culturing, in a second stage, the CD8+ T cells with cells comprising an SCT which has an MHC antigen peptide sequence identical to the sequence of the antigen peptide in the first stage. The methods can provide 10,000-100,000 fold expansion of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells within about 28 days after establishing culture, and can yield over 1 billion antigen-specific CD8+ T cells expanded from an individual donor.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for growing and inducing perivascular cell differentiation of adipose tissue-derived stromal cells. The invention further provides methods for administering such adipose tissue-derived cells to a subject. The cells of the invention are useful for treating diseases, disorders, conditions, and injuries requiring new or enhanced angiogenesis, vascular remodeling, drug delivery, and tissue engineering.

Abstract: This disclosure provides an improved system for culturing human pluripotent stem cells. Traditionally, pluripotent stem cells are cultured on a layer of feeder cells (such as mouse embryonic fibroblasts) to prevent them from differentiating. In the system described here, the role of feeder cells is replaced by components added to the culture environment that support rapid proliferation without differentiation. Effective features are a suitable support structure for the cells, and an effective medium that can be added fresh to the culture without being preconditioned by another cell type. Culturing human embryonic stem cells in fresh medium according to this invention causes the cells to expand surprisingly rapidly, while retaining the ability to differentiate into cells representing all three embryonic germ layers. This new culture system allows for bulk proliferation of pPS cells for commercial production of important products for use in drug screening and human therapy.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved method of culturing hepatocyte cells and non-hepatocyte cells that are capable of secreting liver secretory factors and their use in implantable compositions for treating liver diseases and disorders in patients in need thereof.

Abstract: A cell culture system related to extended in vitro culture of mature neuronal cells and methods for preparing the cell culture system are provided. In a preferred embodiment the invention provides a cell culture system comprising a mixture of mature neuronal retinal cells and cells isolated from a ciliary body. Methods for identifying bioactive agents that alter neurodegeneration of neuronal retinal cells are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an in vitro method for producing T lymphocytes. The method involves culturing bone marrow cells on a matrix seeded with keratinocytes and fibroblasts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to synthetic antigen-presenting matrices, their methods of making and their methods of use. One such matrix is cells that have been transfected to produce MHC antigen-presenting molecules with one or more accessory molecules. The matrices are used to activate naive CD4+ T cells as well as shift the ongoing activation state into a preferred differentiated population of either Th1 or Th2 cells.

Abstract: A method of enriching mesenchymal precursor sells including the step of enriching for cells based on at least two markers. The markers may be either i) the presence of markers specific for mesenchymal precursor cells, ii) the absence of markers specific for differentiated mesenchymal cells, or iii) expression levels of markers specific for mesenchymal precursor cells. The method may include a first solid phase sorting step utilizing MACS recognizing expression of the antigen to the STRO-1 Mab, followed by a second sorting step utilizing two color FACS to screen for the presence of high level STRO-1 antigen expression as well as the expression of VCAM-1.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the growth and expansion of mammalian cells in culture are provided. In particular, methods for the growth and expansion of postpartum-derived cells in vitro are provided using surfaces such as microcarrier beads.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of Hsp70 protein or fragments thereof for the activation of NK-cells, pharmaceutical preparations, medical product or medical adjuvants containing a Hsp70 protein or fragments thereof or activated cells, method for the activation of NK-cells as well as medical use of the products obtained by the method of the invention.

Abstract: A bio-artificial organ comprises a substrate comprising a roll of a substrate material, and a plurality of cells adhered to the substrate, the roll being formed from a sheet rolled to form a plurality of layers that include spacers and spaced openings such that at least a first set of parallel chambers is formed when the roll is formed, the chambers being manifolded to a first inlet and a first outlet. The bio-artificial organ may further include at least a second chamber, the second chamber being isolated from the first set of chambers by at least a cell barrier. A method for assembling a bio-artificial organ comprises a) providing a substrate for cell culture capable of forming a roll, the substrate having a surface, b) patterning the surface of the substrate, c) seeding cells onto the substrate, and d) reeling the substrate into a cylindrical roll.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for cultivating cancer cells for scientific serial assays, wherein a tissue sample which is heterogeneous with respect to contaminants, normal cells and tumor cells is locally separated in a sequential-parallel splitting method. The locally separated sample segments are further split, wherein the tissue fragments and liquids of the tissue segments are separately placed in a given cell culture medium and grown under predetermined culture conditions. The invention also relates to a cell culture medium and a device for splitting the tissue samples into disc segments. The inventive method combined with the splitting device and the culture medium enables fast cultivation of cancer cells obtained from human tissue with a multiplication rate of 100% in all types of tumors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cells that can be passaged in culture and can be used for, among other things, promoter assays and the production of heterologous proteins.

Abstract: To provide an implant material which exhibits relatively high mechanical binding with an osteoblast and also high strength. [MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] A scaffold material (10) capable of inducing a biological hard tissue, which comprises a rod (11) having a trunk portion (21) and bride girders (22), a binding layer (13) formed on the periphery of the rod and a metal fiber layer (14) formed on the periphery of the binding layer, and which further has a reinforcing layer (15) formed on the periphery of the metal fiber layer (14). The binding layer (13) has pores having an average pore size of less than 100 m, and the metal fiber layer (14) has pores having an average pore size of 100 to 400 m.

Abstract: Hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) are routinely obtained from bone marrow, mobilized peripheral blood, and umbilical cord blood. Traditionally, bone marrow has been utilized as a source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). The use and expansion of umbilical cord MSC to support the growth, viability, and maintenance of cord blood derived HSC, during clonal expansion and during differentiation is demonstrated. Umbilical cord derived MSC and cord blood derived HSC are genetically matched, to improve overall expansion and utility of low volume cord blood HSC. Finally, umbilical cord MSC derived from Wharton's jelly and grown with genetically matched cord blood HSC can be used as a cellular therapeutic in the transplant setting for the treatment of malignant and non-malignant hematologic diseases.

Abstract: The invention relates to the discovery of a selective cell surface marker that permits the selection of a unique subset of pancreatic stems cells having a high propensity to differentiate into insulin producing cells or into insulin producing cell aggregates.

Abstract: A purified polypeptide that binds to neoplastic cells, which may be an antibody, is produced by the hybridoma SAM-6, a method for its production and use in the treatment and diagnosis of neoplasms.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for producing hematopoietic stem cells or vascular endothelial precursor cells, wherein the methods comprise the step of separating PCLP1-positive cells from the hematopoietic tissues of an individual, and then culturing the obtained cells. PCLP1-positive cells obtained from the hematopoietic tissues of an individual can be cultured for a long time, and during culture they produce large quantities of hematopoietic stem cells or vascular endothelial precursor cells. The hematopoietic stem cells or vascular endothelial precursor cells obtainable by the present invention can be utilized for regenerative medicine.

Abstract: Cells are generated from skin biopsies for use in cell implantation by identifying a source of skin cells that have a surface concentration of at least one cell selected from the group consisting of keritinocytes and/or melanocytes; taking a sample of tissue from the surface area; mechanically disaggregating the tissue samples; collecting the disaggregated cells; washing the disaggregated cells; filtering the washed disaggregated cells; providing a cell suspension with filtered and washed keritinocytes and/or melanocytes; and suspending the cell suspension in a medium.

Abstract: A method for providing a urinary tract tissue graft composition includes providing a segment of small intestinal submucosa and positioning the segment of small intestinal submucosa in a tissue culture frame such that the segment of small intestinal submucosa is suspended and held in a taut position by the tissue culture frame. At least one multipotent cell type is isolated from a tissue specimen of a subject and cultured, and then seeded upon a surface of the segment of small intestinal submucosa, thereby forming a urinary tract tissue graft. Methods for repairing a damaged urinary tract tissue of a subject are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated stem cell-like cells and a method of isolation. The invention also relates to a media composition for producing primary cell cultures comprising predominantly tissue-specific progenitor cells or stem cell-like cells. In particular, the present invention relates to an isolated mesenchymal connective tissue-derived stem cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for isolating infrequently-dividing, slow-cycling cells, a feature which is typical of stem cells in their niche. The methods of the present invention are advantageously used as classical stem cells can be isolated. Further provided are methods for generating clonal populations and inhibiting the differentiation of these cells. In addition markers for distinguishing these cells from progenitor cells are also disclosed.

Abstract: A cell culture system related to extended in vitro culture of mature neuronal cells and methods for preparing the cell culture system are provided. In a preferred embodiment the invention provides a cell culture system comprising a mixture of mature neuronal retinal cells and cells isolated from a ciliary body. Methods for identifying bioactive agents that alter neurodegeneration of neuronal retinal cells are also provided.

Abstract: A method for determining the capability of an arterivirus to replicate in a permissive cell is disclosed. The method includes determining an amino acid at a position that corresponds to an amino acid of a protein of a porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus. The invention also discloses a method for determining the capability of an arterivirus to replicate in a green monkey cell line. The invention further discloses a method for producing arterivirus in a green monkey cell line wherein the virulence of the arterivirus is maintained and the virus yield is increased. Methods for determining the attenuation of an arterivirus and for attenuating the virulence of the arterivirus by changing amino acids are further disclosed.

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

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

Abstract: This disclosure provides an improved system for culturing human pluripotent stem cells. Traditionally, pluripotent stem cells are cultured on a layer of feeder cells (such as mouse embryonic fibroblasts) to prevent them from differentiating. In the system described here, the role of feeder cells is replaced by components added to the culture environment that support rapid proliferation without differentiation. Effective features are a suitable support structure for the cells, and an effective medium that can be added fresh to the culture without being preconditioned by another cell type. Culturing human embryonic stem cells in fresh medium according to this invention causes the cells to expand surprisingly rapidly, while retaining the ability to differentiate into cells representing all three embryonic germ layers. This new culture system allows for bulk proliferation of pPS cells for commercial production of important products for use in drug screening and human therapy.

Abstract: Devices, in vitro cell cultures, systems, and methods are provided for microscale cell culture analogous (CCA) device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a standardized tissue-specific and cell-specific kit and methods for promoting the enrichment and expansion of primary cells in culture while reducing the contamination of unwanted cell types. The present invention further provides the compositions for optimized tissue-specific and cell-type specific dissociation of tissues and inhibition of contaminating cell-types in primary cultures.

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: A complex including an HLA class I molecule and attaching means for selectively attaching the HLA class I molecule to a target is disclosed, and a method is provided for producing or enhancing an immunological response against a target cell, by attaching said complex to the target cell. Where the target cell is diseased, foreign, or malignant cell, this method may be used to promote lysis of the target cell by T cells in the immune system. Where the target cell is an antigen presenting cell, this method may be used to promote proliferation of specific T cell clones. Uses include prevention and treatment of diseases including cancer, leukaemia, infectious diseases, viral infections, such as HIV, bacterial infections, such as tuberculosis, and parasitic infections such as malaria.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for differentiating precursor cells into mature dendritic cells, comprising placing the precursor cells in a medium suitable for their differentiation and adding to the medium, in a predetermined amount, at least one fraction of oxidized lipoproteins selected among oxidized very low density lipoproteins (VLDLs) and/or oxidized intermediate density lipoproteins (IDLs) and/or oxidized low density lipoproteins (LDLs). The precursor cells are preferably monocytes.

Abstract: Tissue engineered constructs including a matrix and cells transfected with a gene for a growth factor. The constructs may be implanted into a tissue site, where the growth factor gene enhances a metabolic function furthering integration of the construct in the tissue site. If the matrix is biodegradable, the metabolic result may include resorption of the matrix and replacement with tissue synthesized at least in part by the transfected cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of generating neurons from stem cells which comprises culturing neurons in a medium and culturing the stem cells in the resultant mixture. The present invention also relates to a medium for culturing stem cells prepared by culturing neurons in a base culture medium.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of excysting and growing protozoal oocysts by in vitro tissue culture resulting in production of a continuous culture of merozoites. The invention also provides an economical and reliable supply of cultured Eimeria sp. for vaccine production, assays and research. Domesticated avians that have been vaccinated using the provied Eimeria sp. are also provided.