Efficient Method to Produce Mature Neutrophils from Embryonic Stem Cells

Tech ID: 02-08

Summary - Scientists at National Jewish Health have developed a novel method to produce neutrophils from embryonic stem cells. This in vitro differentiation system enables efficient and sustained production of functionally mature neutrophils.

Potential Applications

  • In vitro expansion of autologous neutrophil precursors (and possibly bone marrow stroma) for transplantation (for neutropenic patients for example)
  • In vitro genetic modifications of neutrophils for subsequent transplantation. Such modifications can potentially eliminate genetic defects, can help to maximize the production of specific hematopoietic cell lineages, or can improve the activity of neutrophils against certain pathogens.
  • Evaluation of the effects of various drugs (including chemotherapeutic drugs) on neutrophil differentiation, maturation and viability in vitro.

Advantages of Invention - No other comparable method currently available.

State of Development - National Jewish Health scientists have developed a method for the abundant production of neutrophils at high purity without the need of sorting for isolation of mature neutrophils. The neutrophils obtained by this method were comparable (based on several criteria) to purified mouse bone marrow neutrophils, including their cellular morphology, the ability to produce superoxides and flux calcium, as well as chemotaxis in response to MIP-2.  In addition, these ES-derived neutrophils stain for the granulocyte specific marker chloroacetate esterase and the presence of the neutrophil markers Gr-1 and the neutrophil specific antigen.

Patent - Published U.S. Patent Application #20040076617 and International Patent Application #WO03/080806.

Publication

  • Lieber JG et al. Methods Enzymol. 2003; 365:129-42. PMID: 14696342
  • Lieber JG, Blood. 2004 Feb 1; 103(3):852-9. Epub 2003 Oct 2. PMID: 14525782

Inventors - Jon Lieber, PhD, Scott Worthen, MD, Gordon Keller, PhD and Saiphone Webb, PhD

Licensing Status - This technology is available for licensing.

 

For Further Information, Contact:
Emmanuel Hilaire, PhD
Manager
Technology Transfer Office
National Jewish Health
1400 Jackson Street, Room M206b
Denver, CO 80206
Voice: (303) 398-1262
Fax: (303) 270-2352
HilaireE@njhealth.org


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