Lymphoid tissue-specific cell production from hematopoietic progenitor cells in three-dimensional devices

Patent Number: 7,192,769

The current invention teaches methods of generating 3-dimensional culture conditions for the expansion of lymphocytes out of hematopoietic stem cells. The invention specifically covers the production of T cells through the culture of a hematopoietic stem cell together with a lymphoid stromal element in the presence of an antigen presenting cell. Lymphoid stromal elements may be allogeneic, syngeneic, or xenogeneic. Additionally they may be derived from thymus, tonsils, or other lymphatic tissue.

This in vitro recapitulation of thymopoiesis may be useful for the generation of not only autologous T cells for cancer or immune deficient patients, but also for producing antigen-specific T regulatory cells that may be used for control of autoimmune processes.

The patent has 1 independent claim covering in vitro production of T cells.

View this patent on the USPTO website.