Mammalian megakaryocyte progenitor cell

Patent Number: 7,494,807

This patent covers methods of isolating the megakaryocytic progenitor cells through selecting for cells that are positive for  CD41, CD, and CD34 and negative for expression of CD2; CD3; CD4; CD7; CD8; CD10; CD11b; CD14; CD19; CD20; CD56; and glycophorin A.  Starting materials for selection of these cells include bone marrow and mobilized peripheral blood.

Platelet deficiency is a major problem after myeloablation in patients with bone marrow transplantation.  Therefore the isolation of cells with enhanced platelet generating activity may be very useful for treatment of such patients.

Once megakaryocytic cells are isolated, they may be expanded by various means such as co-culture with mesenchymal stem cells as described in patent 7,153,500.  Additionally, potentiators of megakaryocytic growth may also be used.

View this patent on the USPTO website.