Abstract: Compositions and methods described herein provide a cell culture system in which cells are in high metabolic states from the onset of the culture. Combinations of various cell culture components disclosed and employed herein allow cells to be in high metabolic states useful for drug testing immediately after the start of cell culture.

Abstract: In the field of biological technology, a stem cell culture method is provided. The method includes preparing an amniotic epithelial cell feeder layer that is not treated to lose the division ability; and seeding the stem cells onto the amniotic epithelial cell feeder layer, and culturing in a culture medium. The stem cell culture method according to the present invention does not require the treatment of the feeder layer cells to lose the division ability, and is thus simple and safe, thereby effectively solving the problem of contamination caused by animal-derived ingredients in culture of human stem cells at present, greatly reducing the culture cost of the stem cells, and providing a safe, effective, and inexpensive stem cell culture method for the industrialization of the stem cells in the future.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for producing a cell medicine that is effective for diseases while causing a low risk to these diseases. The present invention provides a method for producing a phagocyte that expresses a foreign protein, which comprises: a step of introducing a protein expression vector into an induced pluripotent stem cell; and a step of inducing the induced pluripotent stem cell, into which the protein expression vector has been introduced, to differentiate into a phagocyte.

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

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

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a population of post-mitotic cells of the neutrophil lineage, which method comprises the ex vivo steps of: (a) providing a population of cells comprising neutrophil progenitor cells; and (b) culturing the population of cells in an animal cell culture medium comprising (i) one or more early acting cytokines and (ii) one or more cytokines that differentiate said progenitor cells into a neutrophil specific lineage, under conditions of low oxidative stress, the culture medium being agitated when the cells are at a cell density at which oxygen transfer via the surface of the culture medium is insufficient for growth of the progenitor cells and the progeny thereof under static conditions, to produce a population of post-mitotic cells of the neutrophil lineage. The resulting population of cells can be used to increase the number of neutrophils in a patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated peptides or the fragments derived from SEQ ID NO: 35, which bind to an HLA antigen and induce cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). The peptides may include one of the above mentioned amino acid sequences with substitution, deletion, or addition of one, two, or several amino acids sequences. The present invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions including these peptides. The peptides of this invention can be used for treating cancer.

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated peptides or the fragments derived from SEQ ID NO: 45, which bind to an HLA antigen and induce cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). The peptides may include the above mentioned amino acid sequence with substitution deletion, or addition of one, two, or several amino acids sequences. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions including these peptides. The peptides of this invention can be used for diagnosing or treating cancer.

Abstract: The present invention has as its object developing a method that does not involve genomic modification and which yet is capable of inducing cell death in pluripotent stem cells such as embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells, as well as in differentiated cells other than cardiomyocytes derived from pluripotent stem cells, but not in cardiomyocytes. It has been revealed that by establishing a method capable of inducing cell death in cells other than cardiomyocytes in a very efficient manner by adding a substance having no recognized inherent toxicity or cell death inducing action to the culture conditions for pluripotent stem cells and non-cardiomyocytes, the stated problem can be solved without relying upon genomic modification.

Abstract: The present invention provides (poly)peptides, which are recognized by human cytomegalovirus (CMV)-specific immune cells. The present invention further provides a combination of multiple CMV (poly)peptides, comprising at least two different groups of (poly)peptides according to the invention as well as conjugates, comprising said (poly)peptides and/or immune adjuvants thereof. Furthermore, this invention provides mixtures, comprising said (poly)peptides and/or immune cells thereof, which are used to generate CMV-specific immune effector cells with high sensitivity and specificity. In addition, the present invention provides a preparation method of CMV-specific immune effector cells, by using said (poly)peptides, adjuvants, immune cells and/or mixtures thereof to generate anti-CMV immune response.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of enhancing the efficiency of differentiation of hES cells into cardiomyocytes which method comprises incubating the cells under serum free conditions. The method typically includes providing cells that induce cardiomyocyte differentiation by cell to cell contact. Differentiation to cardiomyocytes can occur via two routes, namely by spontaneous differentiation and by induced differentiation. Without wishing to be bound by theory the present inventors hypothesize that, in the case of induced differentiation, END-2 cells, for instance, are needed for aggregation to cause local high cell densities and in inducing differentiation of nascent mesoderm. This second step could be enhanced in any human embryonic stem cell line leading to the prediction that it will work in lines other than hES. In cell lines that undergo spontaneous differentiation, it is hypothesized that local induction of embryoid bodies in endoderm occurs.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for producing a culture of cardiomyocytes and cultures of cardiomyocytes. Exemplary methods of producing and cultures of cardiomyocytes include a population of cells including cells having spontaneous and periodic electrical activity, and/or including nodal, sino-atrial or pacemaker cells; immature cardiomyocytes (cardiomyoblasts); mature contractile cardiomyocytes; or a mixed population of two or more of such cells.

Abstract: Isolated populations of leukemic stem cells are provided. The cells are useful for experimental evaluation, and as a source of lineage and cell specific products, and as targets for the discovery of factors or molecules that can affect them. Detection of leukemic stem cells is useful in predicting disease progression, relapse, and development of drug resistance. Proliferation of LSC may be inhibited through interfering with activation of the ?-catenin pathway. Methods are provided for the clinical staging of pre-leukemia and leukemias by differential analysis of hematologic samples for the distribution of one or more hematopoietic stem or progenitor cell subsets.

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

Abstract: [Object] To provide a technology for production of safer iPS cells and to provide a more efficient technology for culturing iPS cells. [Solving Means] Induced pluripotent stem cells are produced from human somatic cells by co-culturing human somatic cells having a reprogrammed nucleus with human cells as feeder cells. Induced pluripotent stem cells are produced from somatic cells by co-culturing somatic cells having a reprogrammed nucleus with autologous cells as feeder cells. Induced pluripotent stem cells are cultured with culture supernatant of somatic cells.

Abstract: An IVF system for successfully utilizing spermatozoa separated into X-chromosome bearing and into Y-chromosome bearing population for insemination. The IVF system includes fertilization medium that can shorten the time from insemination to cleavage and a portable incubator for the transportation of maturing oocytes and inseminated oocytes comprising a straw (19) and an incubation element (20) that can be sealed with a cap (22).

Abstract: The present invention provides a rat embryonic stem cell characterized by having the following properties of (a) expressing Oct3/4 gene and Nanog gene, (b) positive for alkaline phosphatase activity, (c) having an embryoid body forming ability, (d) expressing SSEA (Stage-Specific Embryonic Antigen)-1 and SSEA-4, (e) having the same number of chromosomes as does a normal rat cell, (f) capable of being subcultured and holding the undifferentiated state, (g) having in vitro pluripotency, (h) having a potential to differentiate for cells of three embryonic germ lineages, (i) having teratoma formation ability, and (j) having an ability to produce a chimeric rat, a method of establishing the aforementioned rat embryonic stem cell and the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to purified, tissue-specific progenitors, methods of making and using such tissue-specific progenitors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cells capable of expressing IDO, nucleic acid constructs for expression of IDO, cells comprising said constructs and methods of utilizing said cells in the treatment of diseases. In particular the present invention relates to cells which expresses IDO in the absence of exposure to IFN-gamma, and to their use in preparation and/or generation of immunomodulatory cells specific for an antigen.

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 disclosure relates to systems, methods and compositions for the generation of antibody-producing B cells in vitro. Some embodiments are related to an in vitro system for generating antibody-producing B cells from hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs).

Abstract: The invention relates to a kit comprising MHC Class I and Class II HLA-coated beads containing specific antigenic peptides for binding to antigen-specific T cells and the appropriate negative control peptides. Also provided are methods for making the coated beads and methods for use. The application of these beads go to the stimulation of peripheral blood cell populations and in vitro-stimulated culture for the elicitation of functional activities such as cell activation and signaling, cytokine secretion, proliferation and cytotoxicity activity.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides ex-vivo derived mineralized three-dimensional bone constructs. The bone constructs are obtained by culturing osteoblasts and osteclast precursors under randomized gravity vector conditions. Preferably, the randomized gravity vector conditions are obtained using a low shear stress rotating bioreactor, such as a High Aspect Ratio Vessel (HARV) culture system. The bone constructs of the disclosure have utility in physiological studies of bone formation and bone function, in drug discovery, and in orthopedics.

Abstract: The present invention 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: The disclosure relates to methods of maintaining and/or expanding an in vitro population of hypoxia compartment cells comprising culturing said population of cells optionally in an oxygen controlled environment, wherein the population of hypoxia compartment cells is exposed to an oxygen concentration of between about 1.5% and about 10%, preferably between about 2% and about 5%, and uses of cells expanded according to these methods.

Abstract: The invention features methods of enhancing the responsiveness of a T cell. Such methods involve interfering with the interaction between a T cell and a B7-H1 molecule.

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

Abstract: A system and method for forming a skeletal muscle construct include primary muscle cells provided on a substrate without disposing the cells within an exogenous scaffold, the cells cultured in vitro such that the cells form a confluent monolayer; at least two anchors secured to the monolayer in spaced relationship; and at least one secondary tissue, such as neural or tendon tissue, provided in contact with the monolayer such that the monolayer detaches from the substrate and self-organizes to at least partially surround the at least one secondary tissue, thereby forming a three-dimensional skeletal muscle construct having a functional interface with the secondary tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tissue engineered compositions and methods comprising nanotopographic surface topography (“nanotopography”) for use in modulating the organization and/or function of multiple cell types.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a bio-artificial transplant from biological tissue provided for transplantation, which has cells that are compatible with the recipient applied thereto. According to the invention, a controlled tissue generation is carried out in-vitro, during which selected cells that are capable of remodelling the carrier structures are added to native tissue that is maintained in a culture and the culture is continued until a new tissue which has been substantially transformed is obtained, said tissue containing the added recipient-compatible cells.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for differentiating mammalian bone marrow cells or cord blood-derived cells into myocardial precursor cells and/or myocardial cells by culturing said bone marrow cells or cord blood-derived cells with cells isolated from mammalian fat tissues or a culture supernatant thereof.

Abstract: A prosthetic implant comprising a biocompatible three-dimensional scaffold and at least two cell types selected from the group consisting of osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and endothelial cells or progenitors thereof.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for purifying hematopoietic stem cells. Also described herein are methods for purifying EPCR+ cells. The invention also provides substantially pure isolated hematopoietic stems cells, including EPCR+ hematopoietic stem cells.

Abstract: Methods of ex-vivo expansion and at the same time inhibiting differentiation of stem cells by co-culture with mesenchymal cells, transplantable populations of renewable progenitor and stem cells expanded thereby, and their uses in therapeutic applications.

Abstract: The invention provides CD4+CD25? T cells and Tr1-like regulatory T cells (i.e., contact-independent Type 1-like regulatory T cells), processes for their production and their use for regulatory purposes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing antigen-specific Tr1 regulatory lymphocytes. The inventive method involves the use of artificial antigen-presenting cells expressing a molecule from the HLA class II system and a human LFA-3 molecule and expressing none of the B7-1, B7-2, B7-H1, CD40, CD23, or ICAM-1 costimulatory molecules.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides ex vivo-derived mineralized three-dimensional bone constructs. The bone constructs are obtained by culturing osteoblasts and osteoclast precursors under randomized gravity vector conditions. Preferably, the randomized gravity vector conditions are obtained using a low shear stress rotating bioreactor, such as a High Aspect Ratio Vessel (HARV) culture system. The bone constructs of the disclosure have utility in physiological studies of bone formation and bone function, in drug discovery, and in orthopedics.

Abstract: The present invention provides peptides containing the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 16, 17, 30, 31, 34, 36, 37, 40, 41, 45, 49, 55, 57 and 61, as well as peptides containing the above-mentioned amino acid sequences in which 1, 2, or several amino acid(s) are substituted, deleted, inserted or added, but still have cytotoxic T cell inducibility. The present invention also provides drugs for treating or preventing tumors, which drugs containing these peptides. The peptides of the present invention can also be used as vaccines.

Abstract: Stable cell lines which produce the pathological form of PrP after infection with the infectious agent for CJD provide a high throughput assay to identify suitable treatment protocols and compositions. The stable cell lines also provide rich source of infectious CJD agent. They also may be used to identify vaccine candidates. Co-culture of neuronal cells with cells to be tested for infection with a TSE agent also provides a high throughput method for identifying infected cells.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing an artificial tissue, which comprises a step of providing a liquid flow control member and a mesh member in a flow path through which a cell culture liquid comprising at least one type of animal cells, a collagen-binding cell growth factor and an extracellular matrix component is circulated and cultured to accumulate the extracellular matrix molecule and the animal cells on the surface of the liquid flow control member at a high density, thereby forming a high-density cultured tissue, wherein the liquid flow control member and the mesh member are so arranged in the flow path that these members are in contact with each other or in proximity to each other, and wherein the mesh member is arranged on the back side of the liquid flow control member relative to the direction of the liquid flow. Also disclosed is an artificial tissue produced by the process.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a sac-like structure enclosing hematopoietic progenitor cells and a method for preparing the sac-like structure as well as a method for efficiently preparing blood cells such as mature megakaryocytes and platelets from the sac-like structure. The present invention provides a sac-like structure enclosing hematopoietic progenitor cells, the sac-like structure being obtained by plating ES cells onto feeder cells and culturing the ES cells under suitable conditions for inducing hematopoietic progenitor cell differentiation. Moreover, the present invention provides a method for producing various blood cells, the method comprising further culturing hematopoietic progenitor cells enclosed in the sac-like structure under suitable conditions for inducing blood cell differentiation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nuclear reprogramming factor having an action of reprogramming a differentiated somatic cell to derive an induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell. The present invention also relates to the aforementioned iPS cells, methods of generating and maintaining iPS cells, and methods of using iPS cells, including screening and testing methods as well as methods of stem cell therapy. The present invention also relates to somatic cells derived by inducing differentiation of the aforementioned iPS cells.

Abstract: Novel antigen-presenting cells, including but not limited to dendritic cells, that are loaded with antigens from dead or dying cells including allogenic cell lines, and the methods for making such antigen-presenting cells are described. These loaded antigen-presenting cells induce therapeutic immune responses in humans. Such loaded antigen-presenting cells are useful in the management of cancer. Antigen-loaded dendritic cells prepared as described here can prime naïve T cells to differentiate into effector cells able to recognize multiple and/or shared tumor antigens that are expressed either on the tumor cells that are used to load the dendritic cells and/or on other tumor cells. The cytotoxic T cells generated by exposure to antigen-loaded dendritic cells prepared as described here can be used in adoptive therapy. This induction of responses against multiple antigens shared between different cells, for instance tumor cells, as described here is important as it leads to broad immune responses.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of medical science, in particular to technology directed at repairing defects in living, preferably human, tissue. The present invention provides a method for inducing differentiation of multipotent cells to a desired cell type, as well as a method for repairing a tissue defect in a human or animal patient using the concept of said method for inducing differentiation of multipotent cells. The invention further relates to a kit for carrying out the method for repairing a tissue defect.

Abstract: Provided are a pharmaceutical composition for prevention and treatment of a neural disease including at least one selected from the group consisting of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), a culture solution of the MSCs, activin A, PF4, decorin, galectin 3, GDF15, glypican 3, MFRP, ICAM5, IGFBP7, PDGF-AA, SPARCL1, thrombospondin-1, WISP1, progranulin, IL-4, a factor inducing expression thereof, and any combination thereof, and a method therefor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing customized pluripotent stem cells. Specifically, the present invention comprises following steps: extracting proteins from any of the dedifferentiated stem cells or induced pluripotent stem cells, the said dedifferentiated or pluripotent stem cells being prepared by any known method; introducing the protein extract into the adult somatic cells; and culturing the adult somatic cells to produce pluripotent stem cells having the same pluripotency as that of embryonic stem cells. In addition, pluripotent stem cells produced according to the present method and cell therapeutics comprising the same are provided. The method allows pluripotent stem cells to be produced very easily and at a significantly higher yield, compared to typical methods.

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

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

Abstract: Disclosed herein is the finding that treatment with a ROCK inhibitor increases proliferation and induces immortalization of primary keratinocytes. Accordingly, provided is a method of immortalizing primary keratinocytes by exposure to a ROCK inhibitor. Also provided are immortalized primary keratinocytes produced by the described method, as well as organotypic tissue equivalents and cell cultures comprising the immortalized primary keratinocytes. Furthermore, ROCK inhibitor-treated cells show a greatly increased ability to support viral DNA replication of both “low risk” and “high risk” HPV genomes, indicating that ROCK inhibitors will be useful for studying the life cycles of a wide range of HPVs.

Abstract: Provided herein are apparatuses, systems and methods for generating concentration gradients of soluble molecules. Also, provided herein devices and methods for generating in vitro blood vessels.