Abstract: A cell population cultured ex-vivo in a culture medium under conditions permitting cells of the cell population to proliferate and, at the same time, reducing a capacity of the cells in utilizing cooper, the cells are hence expanded yet not further differentiated as compared to ex-vivo seeded cells from which the cell population developed.

Abstract: The invention relates to macrophages which have at least one of the following properties: their cytotoxic activity without IFN-&ggr; is increased by about 20 to 30% with respect to standard macrophages, and is preferably of about 70%; their cytotoxic activity with IFN-&ggr; is increased by about 20 to about 40% with respect to standard macrophages, and is preferably of about 93%; the extension of the deactivation of the cytotoxic activity in reply to an activation of IFN-&ggr; is in a ratio such that after 60h of activation with IFN-&ggr;, the cytotoxic activity is higher than or equal to 30%, preferably of about 55%, compared to the maximum cytotoxic activity presented by the macrophages due to IFN-&ggr; activation, with said cytotoxic activity being measured as the percentage of inhibition of 3-H thymidine incorporation by target tumoral cells, particularly U 937 cells.

Abstract: Provided are methods for inducing an increase in the number of CD4+ T-lymphocytes in HIV-infected patients by administering human GM-CSF. The GM-CSF may be administered concurrently with at least one antiretroviral agent.

Abstract: Methods, including culture media conditions, which provide for in vitro human stem cell division and/or the optimization of human hematopoietic progenitor cell cultures and/or increasing the metabolism or GM-CSF secretion or IL-6 secretion of human stromal cells and/or a method for assaying the effect of a substance or condition on a human hematopoietic cell population, and/or depleting the malignant cell or T-cell and B-cell content of a human hematopoietic cell population are disclosed. The methods rely on culturing human stem cells and/or human hematopoietic progenitor cells and/or human stromal cells in a liquid culture medium which is replaced, preferably perfused, either continuously or periodically, at a rate of 1 ml of medium per ml of culture per about 24 to about 48 hour period, and removing metabolic products and replenishing depleted nutrients while maintaining the culture under physiologically acceptable conditions. Optionally, growth factors are added to the culture medium.

Abstract: A method is described whereby dendritic cells derived from the CD34+ and CD 34-hematopoietic cell lineages are directed to become programmable antigen presenting cells. The programmed cells may be pulsed with tumor cell RNA or tumor cell RNA expression products. The protocol provides for directing the maturation of dendritic cells to become antigen presenting cells. The protocol further provides for isolating tumor cell RNA from biopsy material that has been prepared in paraffin block storage. The directed dendritic cell is provided with a plurality of tumor markers by using tumor RNA in toto, the poly A+RNA fraction or the expression product of such RNA. Once activated the dendritic cells are incubated with T4 and T8 lymphocytes to stimulate and sensitize the T lymphocytes which upon introduction either into a donor host or a nondonor recipient will provide immune response protection.

Abstract: A novel co-culture system using human brain endothelial cells (HUBEC) which promotes the expansion of human CD34+CD38− cells consistent with the PMVEC system is disclosed. HUBEC were isolated from cadaveric donors, passed in primary culture, cloned and found to be Von Willebrand Factor positive. Cultivation of purified bone marrow CD34+ cells on HUBEC monolayers supplemented with GM-CSF+IL-3+IL-6+SCF+flt-3 ligand caused a 14.5-fold increase in total cells, an 6.6-fold increase in CD34+ cells, and, most remarkably, a 440-fold increase in CD34+CD38− cells after 7 days. Further, CFU-GM production increased 15.1-fold, BFU-E increased 8-fold, and CFU-Mix increased 5.2-fold. Optimal generation was dependent upon the continued presence of exogenous supplied cytokines. Moreover, we found that non-brain human endothelial cells isolated from the same donors supported neither the expansion nor the maintenance of human CD34+CD38− cells.

Abstract: A monolayer sheet structure is prepared containing a confluent monolayer of primary hepatocytes cultured on a substrate in sheet form. The monolayer sheet structure is formed by treating the hepatocytes in the monolayer formation stage with a protein-phosphorylation inhibitor having an indolo [2,3-a] carbazole structure, such as staurosporine, or other similar structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions for in vitro fertilization, or for the in vitro culture of follicles, male germinal cells or embryos, said compositions comprising at least two growth factors in association with a compound of the family of corticoids involved in energetic production in mammals. The invention also relates to the culture media obtained with these compositions, these latter being preferably in the form of a lyophilizate. The invention also has for its object processes for the in vitro fertilization and processes for maturation of follicles, of male germinal cells, or embryos using such culture media, as well as kits for the practice of these processes and comprising a lyophilizate as mentioned above and an aqueous solution, if desired commercial, containing other constituents of said culture medium.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medium for the propagation of early stage embryos to blastocyst stage. The medium contains an effective amount of GM-CSF to increase the percentage of pre-blastocyst embryos which develop to transfer ready blastocysts. Also disclosed is a method of growing early stage human embryos to transfer ready blastocysts. The method includes the step of incubating the embryos in vitro in a culture medium containing an effective amount of human GM-CSF for a time and under conditions to increase the proportion of transfer ready blastocysts. An IVF program that includes the method of growing early stage human embryos to transfer ready blastocysts is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for producing proliferating cultures of dendritic cell precursors is provided. Also provided is a method for producing mature dendritic cells in culture from the proliferating dendritic cell precursors. The cultures of mature dendritic cells provide an effective means of producing novel T cell dependent antigens comprised of dendritic cell modified antigens or dendritic cells pulsed with antigen, including particulates, which antigen is processed and expressed on the antigen-activated dendritic cell. The novel antigens of the invention may be used as immunogens for vaccines or for the treatment of disease. These antigens may also be used to treat autoimmune diseases such as juvenile diabetes and multiple sclerosis.

Abstract: A method is described whereby dendritic cells derived from the CD34+ and CD 34− hematopoietic cell lineages are directed to become programmable antigen presenting cells. The programmed cells may be pulsed with tumor cell RNA or tumor cell RNA expression products. The protocol provides for directing the maturation of dendritic cells to become antigen presenting cells. The protocol further provides for isolating tumor cell RNA from biopsy material that has been prepared in paraffin block storage. The directed dendritic cell is provided with a plurality of tumor markers by using tumor RNA in toto, the poly A+RNA fraction or the expression product of such RNA. Once activated the dendritic cells are incubated with T4 and T8 lymphocytes to stimulate and sensitize the T lymphocytes which upon introduction either into a donor host or a nondonor recipient will provide immune response protection.

Abstract: A culture system for producing PGCs or EG cells by culturing PGCs for long periods in tissue culture is provided. This culture system uses LIF, bFGF, IGF and SCF. The resultant EG cells are useful for the production of transgenic and chimeric avians, in particular, chickens and turkeys, and also for cloning purposes.

Abstract: Provided are methods for inducing an increase in the number of CD4+ T-lymphocytes in HIV-infected patients by administering human GM-CSF. The GM-CSF may be administered concurrently with at least one antiretroviral agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medium for promoting the survival of islet cells, which comprises one or more growth factors in combination with FK506 in amounts having an anti-apoptotic effect on islet cells in a physiologically acceptable culture medium.

Abstract: Cell based screens for studying drug transport are described and improved methods for the preparation of cell monolayers for use in such screens are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing dendritic cells from human hematopoietic progenitor cells by obtaining a cell sample that includes human progenitor cells and culturing the cell sample under plasma-free and serum-free conditions in the presence of a combination of cytokines to produce dendritic cells, where the combination of cytokines include TGF-&bgr;1.

Abstract: Compositions containing clinically relevant numbers of immune cells that have been isolated from a patient differentiated and/or expanded ex vivo. Methods for treating or preventing disease or otherwise altering the immune status of the patient by reinfusing such cells into the donor are also provided. Methods for expanding and/or immune cells, including effector cells, in the absence of exogenous IL-2, and for administering the cells in the absence of co-infused IL-2 are also provided.

Abstract: The use of professional antigen presenting cells genetically modified to enhance expression of an immunostimulatory cytokine is disclosed for the treatment of individuals having tumors or infections. The genetically modified professional antigen presenting cells are injected directly at or near the site of the tumor or infection. Preferred professional antigen presenting cells include dendritic cells, and preferred immunostimulatory cytokines include interleukins such as IL-12.

Abstract: Methods, including culture media conditions, which provide for isolation and purification of renal tubule stem cells and for in vitro kidney tubulogenesis are disclosed. The methods rely on culturing adult kidney cells in a culture media treated with combinations of transforming growth factor-&bgr;1, epidermal growth factor, and all-trans retinoic acid.

Abstract: A serum-free medium which supports the proliferation and differentiation of CD34+ cells purified from normal bone marrow, peripheral blood of patients treated with cytokines, and umbilical cord blood is described. The recipe for the formulation is given, which provides a medium suitable for the proliferation and differentiation of CD34+ cells for use in human therapeutic protocols. The cells CD34+ cultured in a the medium of the present invention are used in a method for repopulating human host bone marrow.

Abstract: A method for obtaining lineage committed human cells imbued with enhanced proliferative potential, biological function, or both, comprising culturing lineage committed human cells under physiologically acceptable liquid culture conditions, where the liquid culture medium is replaced at a rate and for a time sufficient to obtain the human lineage committed cells imbued with enhanced proliferative potential, biological function, or both; and isolating the cultured cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for using various forms of a novel receptor expressed by hematopoietic and endothelial cells. An additional variant form of this receptor has been detected in brain cells and shown to bind to the obese gene product, leptin. Therefore, leptin may be used to stimulate the growth and development of receptor-positive hematopoietic and endothelial cells in vitro and in vivo. In addition, this receptor is selectively expressed in hematopoietic progenitor cells with long-term repopulating potential. Thus, agents that specifically bind to this receptor may be used to identify and isolate progenitor cells for a variety of clinical applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for eliciting an immune response and the prevention and treatment of primary and metastatic noeplastic diseases and infectious diseases. The methods of the invention comprise administering a composition comprising an effective amount of a complex, in which the complex consists essentially of a heat shock protein (hsp) noncovalently bound to an antigenic molecule in combination with administering antigen presenting cells sensitized with complexes of hsps noncovalently bound to an antigenic molecule. “Antigenic molecule” as used herein refers to the peptides with which the hsps are endogenously associated in vivo as well as exogenous antigens/immunogens (i.e., with which the hsps are not complexed in vivo) or antigenic/immunogenic fragments and derivatives thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the complex is autologous to the individual.

Abstract: A chemically defined-serum free growth medium for the in vitro and ex vivo of cells and cell lines. The medium consists of about a one to one ratio (v/v) of two basal growth media containing &agr;-ketoglutarate, insulin, transferrin, selenium, bovine serum albumin, linoleic acid, ceruloplasmin, cholesterol, phosphatidyl-ethanolamine, &agr;-tocopherol acid succinate, reduced glutathione, taurine, triiodothyronine, hydrocortisone, parathyroid hormone, L-ascorbic acid 2-sulfate, &bgr;-glycerophosphate, PDGF, EGF and FGF. Chondrocytes, when cultured in this medium in the presence of a cartilage derived morphogenetic protein or bone morphogenetic protein, retain their cartilaginous phenotype.

Abstract: The present invention provides a serum-free supplement which supports the growth of hematopoietic cells in culture. Also provided are a medium comprising a basal medium supplemented with the serum-free supplement of the present invention. The present invention also provides methods for culturing and for differentiating hematopoietic cells.

Abstract: A method is described whereby dendritic cells derived from the CD34+ and CD34− hematopoietic cell lineages are directed to become programmable antigen presenting cells. The programmed cells may be pulsed with tumor cell RNA or tumor cell RNA expression products. The protocol provides for directing the maturation of dendritic cells to become antigen presenting cells. The protocol further provides for isolating tumor cell RNA from biopsy material that has been prepared in paraffin block storage. The directed dendritic cell is provided with a plurality of tumor markers by using tumor RNA in toto, the poly A+RNA fraction or the expression product of such RNA. Once activated the dendritic cells are incubated with T4 and T8 lymphocytes to stimulate and sensitize the T lymphocytes which upon introduction either into a donor host or a nondonor recipient will provide immune response protection.

Abstract: The invention relates to cell proliferation, cell differentiation, male infertility, male fertility and to compositions and methods involved therein. Also methods of culturing spermatogonial stem cells with bone morphogenetic protein 8 are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of treatment using immune system suppressor cells and immune system stimulator cells comprises providing stem cells; combining the stem cells with lymphoid-derived cells to produce a co-culture; adding lipopolysaccharide and a factor selected from the group consisting of granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor, macrophage colony stimulating factor, granulocyte-colony stimulating factor and mixtures thereof to the co-culture; obtaining immune system suppressor cells and immune system stimulator cells from the co-culture; and introducing and the cells into a host.

Abstract: The invention relates to stem cells isolated from the retina of mammals and retinal cells differentiated from these stem cells. The invention also relates to a method of isolating retinal stem cells and inducing retinal stem cells to produce retinal cells. Retinal stem cells may also be induced in vivo to produce retinal cells. The invention also includes pharmaceuticals made with retinal stem cells or retinal cells which may be used to restore vision lost due to diseases, disorders or abnormal physical states of the retina. The invention includes retinal stem cell and retinal cell culture systems for toxicological assays, for isolating genes involved in retinal differentiation or for developing tumor cell lines.

Abstract: A culture medium for culturing chicken embryonic stem (ES) cells is disclosed. The culture medium is used for supporting avian ES cell cultures. The components of the avian ES cell media include cytokines, fibroblast growth factors, insulin-like growth factors and stem cell growth factors and anti-retinoic acid antibody. The culture medium is substantially free of active retinoic acid. A method for culturing avian ES cells and the resulting products are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel immortalized precursor cell populations derived from embryonic stem cell populations and methods to produce such cell populations. Also disclosed is an assay to identify regulatory compounds capable of controlling cell growth for therapeutic and experimental use.

Abstract: Methods are provided for eluting peptides that are bound to major histocompatibility complex ("MHC") molecules expressed on the cell surfaces of viable cells that have at least one MHC-peptide complex on the surfaces of the cells. Methods are provided for using such acid-eluted T cell epitopes, preferably obtained from a patient's tumor, and autologous dendritic cells as the basis for antitumor vaccines.

Abstract: The invention relates to macrophages which have at least one of the following properties: their cytotoxic activity without IFN-.gamma. is increased by about 20 to 30% with respect to standard macrophages, and is preferably of about 70%; their cytotoxic activity with IFN-.gamma. is increased by about 20 to about 40% with respect to standard macrophages, and is preferably of about 93%; the extension of the deactivation of the cytotoxic activity in reply to an activation of IFN-.gamma. is in a ratio such that after 60 h of activation with IFN-.gamma., the cytotoxic activity is higher than or equal to 30%, preferably of about 55%, compared to the maximum cytotoxic activity presented by the macrophages due to IFN-.gamma. activation, with said cytotoxic activity being measured as the percentage of inhibition of 3-H thymidine incorporation by target tumoral cells, particularly U 937 cells.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for gene transfer into a culture of primitive stem cells which comprises a prestimulation step of adding a blocking agent to block at least one inhibitor of a cell cycle of said primitive stem cells. The prestimulation is time-limited for a period of less than approximately 36 hours so that said culture of primitive stem cells retains hematopoietic potential.

Abstract: This invention relates to identification of a new key marker, namely, 9-O-Acetylated Sialoglycoconjugate with the help of a known 9-O-Acetylsialic acid binding lectin, AchatininH useful for the detection of minimal residual disease (MRD) and prediction of relapse by a lymphoproliferation assay in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL).

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of biology and, in particular, to the field of cellular biology. The invention concerns a novel glucose-sensitive cell line designated .beta. cell line (INS-I) expressing glucokinase and the glucose carrier Glut 2 at levels comparable with those of normal .beta. cells but which is, in addition, incapable of IGF-II expression-dependent proliferation because of genetic manipulation. The invention also concerns a method for the production of said novel cell line, its aggregation in the form of a pseudoislet, its immobilization in a biocompatible hydrogel and its hardening by means of a hardening solution. Application in insulin-secreting .beta.-cell transplants.

Abstract: A method of adding or removing a gas to or from a solution of the gas in a liquid involves transferring the gas between the liquid and another fluid through a membrane unit. The membrane unit includes a membrane which is (i) substantially impermeable to the solvent and having a permeability to oxygen of at least 100 barrers; (ii) formed from an amorphous copolymer of perfluoro-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxole; and (iii) is maintained at a temperature below the glass transition temperature of the copolymer. The fluid can be another liquid or a gas. The novel method provides very high rates of gas transmission between liquids and permits gasifying liquids without resort to sparging bubbles through the liquid. The method thus can gasify liquid with superior efficiency and without excessive agitation due to bubbling.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for in vitro expansion of growth factor dependent cells. Expansion is effected through the use of growth factor conjugates that include a growth factor such as a steel factor and a polysaccharidase substrate binding region. The conjugates are immobilized by binding of the substrate binding region to a substrate of the polysaccharidase in a growth chamber for the cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel immortalized precursor cell populations derived from embryonic stem cell populations and methods to produce such cell populations. Also disclosed is an assay to identify regulatory compounds capable of controlling cell growth for therapeutic and experimental use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and kit for the prediction of the response of a patient suffering from superficial bladder carcinoma to treatment with bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG), by calculating the inducibility of the Interleukin-2 (IL-2) gene of the patient in a sample of peripheral blood mononuclear (PBM) cells from the patient receiving BCG. The method includes the steps of culturing at least two aliquots of PBM from the patient where the cells in a first aliquot are cultured in the presence of an inducing agent for inducing expression of the IL-2 gene and the cells in the second aliquot are cultured in the absence of the inducing agent. The extent of expression of the IL-2 gene is quantitatively determined for each aliquot. The ratio of the extent of the expression of the IL-2 gene in the first aliquot to the extent of the expression of the IL-2 gene in the second aliquot is calculated, the ratio providing a measure of the inducibility of the IL-2 gene.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for eliciting an immune response and the prevention and treatment of primary and metastatic neoplastic diseases and infectious diseases. The methods of the invention comprise administering a composition comprising an effective amount of a complex, in which the complex consists essentially of a heat shock protein (hsp) noncovalently bound to an antigenic molecule in combination with administering antigen presenting cells sensitized with complexes of hsps noncovalently bound to an antigenic molecule. "Antigenic molecule" as used herein refers to the peptides with which the hsps are endogenously associated in vivo as well as exogenous antigens/immunogens (i.e., with which the hsps are not complexed in vivo) or antigenic/immunogenic fragments and derivatives thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the complex is autologous to the individual. In a specific embodiment, the effective amounts of the complex when administered intradermally are in the range of 0.

Abstract: In vitro production of clinically useful quantities of single species of mature, differentiated human blood cells is carried out by a method in which human pluripotent hematopoietic stem cells, preferably from a universal donor, are incubated in a bioreactor in a growth medium also containing specific combinations of recombinant human growth and maturation promoting polypeptide factors that expand stem cell cultures and promote the maturation and differentiation of stem cells into single species of erythroid, thrombocytic or granulocytic human blood cells, and harvesting the mature cells. The growth and maturation promoting polypeptides employed include SCGF, Interleukins 1,3,4,5,6, and 11, GM-CSF, M-CSF, G-CSF and EPO. Stem cells may be preliminarily genetically modified so as to remove histocompatibility or blood group antigens with which a recipient may be incompatible, or the stem cells may be genetically altered by transfection with appropriate DNA-containing vectors, prior to addition to the bioreactor.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for inhibition of proliferation of primitive hematopoietic progenitor cells and hematopoietic stem cells, by incubating preparations containing said cells with IFN-.gamma.. The method is especially useful for protecting said cells during purging techniques using cytotoxic treatment, and for protection of said cells during in vivo cytotoxic treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a population of blood borne mammalian cells that express a unique profile of surface markers that includes certain markers typical of connective tissue fibroblasts, and are referred to herein as "blood-borne mesenchymal cells." In particular, it relates to the isolation, characterization and uses of such blood-borne mesenchymal cells. The cells of the present invention can be distinguished from peripheral blood leukocytes by their distinct size, morphology, cell surface phenotype and biologic activities, and are likewise distinguishable from connective tissue fibroblasts by other surface phenotypic markers. These cells proliferate in culture, and in vivo, as demonstrated in animal models, are capable of migrating into wound sites from the blood. Therefore, such blood-borne mesenchymal cells may have a wide range of applications, including, but not limited to, the promotion of wound healing, tissue remodeling, and for gene therapy.

Abstract: The use of individual or combinations of cytokines, particularly IL-3, GM-CSF, and c-kit ligand are employed for long-term hematopoiesis in serum free culture in the absence of stromal cells. The cultures can be used for evaluating compounds and their effect on hematopoiesis, particularly as to lifetime and nature of differentiation. In addition, the expanded cells may be used for engraftment in a mammalian host or enhancement of particular cell lineages in a mammalian host. The subject systems may be used with any mammalian hemopoietic cells, but finds particular application with primates, more particularly humans.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and bioreactors for expanding stem cells in a population of cells substantially enriched in hematopoietic stem cells and substantially free of stromal cells. The method comprising the steps of inoculating the population of cells in an expansion container in a volume of suitable medium such that the cell density is at least about 5,000 cells/1 mL and at an initial oxygen concentration of less than 8%; adding an effective amount of at least one cytokine to cause stem cell expansion; culturing the cells under suitable conditions such that the cells condition the medium; increasing the oxygen concentration to about 20%; exchanging the medium at a rate which allows expansion of the stem cells; and culturing the cells under conditions such that the stem cells are expanded. The present invention also provides a bioreactor constructed to accomodate the operational requirements for stroma-free stem cell expansion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of amplifying in vitro stemcells. In this method hematopoietic CD34.sup.+ stem and progenitor cells are isolated from human bone marrow and contacted with endothelial cells. The contacted stem cells and endothelial cells are cultured in the presence of at least one cytokine in an amount sufficient to support amplification/expansion of the hematopoietic CD34.sup.+ stem and progenitor cells. This method produces increased yields of hematopoietic CD34.sup.+ stem and progenitor cells which can be used in human therapeutics.

Abstract: In vitro production of clinically useful quantities of mature, differentiated human blood cells by a method in which human pluripotent hematopoietic stem cells, preferably from a universal donor, are incubated in a bioreactor in a growth medium also containing specific recombinant human growth and maturation promoting polypeptide factors in combinations that expand stem cell cultures and promote the maturation and differention of stem cells into erythroid, thrombocytic or granulocytic human blood cells, and harvesting the mature cells. The growth and maturation promoting polypeptides employed include SCGF, Interleukins 1,3,4,5,6, and 11, GM-CSF, M-CSF, G-CSF and EPO. Stem cells may be modified so as to remove histocompatibility and/or blood group antigens, or may be genetically altered by transfection with appropriate DNA-containing vectors, prior to addition to the bioreactor.