A method of treating a subject in need of a non-syngeneic cell or tissue graft is disclosed. The method comprising: (a) transplanting into a subject a dose of T cell depleted immature hematopoietic cells, wherein the T cell depleted immature hematopoietic cells comprise less than 510.sup.5 CD3.sup.+ T cells per kilogram body weight of the subject, and wherein the dose comprises at least about 510.sup.6 CD34+ cells per kilogram body weight of the subject; and subsequently (b) administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of cyclophosphamide, wherein the therapeutically effective amount comprises 25-200 mg per kilogram body weight, thereby treating the subject.

Embodiments of the invention employ methods and compositions for enhancing potency of immune cells that express one or more therapeutic proteins. In certain cases, the methods modulate expression of a CAR transgene in an immune cell, such as a T cell. Specific embodiments employ the exposure of cells and/or individuals to be treated with the cells with an effective amount of at least one agent that upregulates expression of the therapeutic protein, such as a mitogen, histone deacetylase inhibitor, and or DNA methyltransferase inhibitor.

The present invention relates to the directed differentiation of mammalian pluripotent stem cells, especially human pluripotent stem (hPS) cells, into endodermal cells. In particular, the present invention relates to the treatment of mammalian pluripotent stem cells, especially hPS cells, with a DNA demethylating agent while undergoing differentiation into endodermal. The inventors have, as disclosed herein, found that exposing differentiating mammalian pluripotent stem cells, especially hPS cells, to a DNA demethylating agent leads to an improved morphology and improved yield of endodermal cells. The treatment with a DNA demethylating agent also leads to a significant down-regulation of expression of the stem cell marker Oct4 and to an improved expression of endoderm specific markers, notably sox17, cxcr4 and hhex.

The present invention relates to ex vivo methods using a compound selected from the group consisting of azacytidine, a compound of formula (I):

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and decitabine, a compound of formula (II):

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and related uses of said compounds.

The present invention relates to directed differentiation and maturation of hepatocyte-like cells. In particular, the present invention relates to exposure of hepatocyte-like cells to an activator of a retinoic acid responsive receptor, such as retinoic acid (RA), optionally in combination with an inhibitor of GSK-3 (Glycogen synthase kinase 3) or activator of Wnt signalling and/or with the overlay of the cells with one or more components characteristic of the mammalian extracellular matrix (matrix overlay). The present invention also relates to exposure of hepatocyte-like cells to an activator of a retinoic acid responsive receptor, such as retinoic acid (RA), optionally in combination with an inhibitor of a cycline dependent kinase (CDK) and/or with the overlay of the cells with one or more components characteristic of the mammalian extracellular matrix (matrix overlay). The hepatocyte-like cells obtained in accordance with the present invention show a phenotype which is more similar to that of primary hepatocytes than previously shown.

Provided herein are novel compositions enriched in gdT cells with high therapeutic potential. Methods to produce such compositions and methods of uses thereof in adoptive immunotherapies are also provided.

The present invention relates to directed differentiation and maturation of hepatocyte-like cells. In particular, the present invention relates to exposure of hepatocyte-like cells to an activator of a retinoic acid responsive receptor, such as retinoic acid (RA), optionally in combination with an inhibitor of GSK-3 (Glycogen synthase kinase 3) or activator of Wnt signalling and/or with the overlay of the cells with one or more components characteristic of the mammalian extracellular matrix (matrix overlay). The present invention also relates to exposure of hepatocyte-like cells to an activator of a retinoic acid responsive receptor, such as retinoic acid (RA), optionally in combination with an inhibitor of a cycline dependent kinase (CDK) and/or with the overlay of the cells with one or more components characteristic of the mammalian extracellular matrix (matrix overlay). The hepatocyte-like cells obtained in accordance with the present invention show a phenotype which is more similar to that of primary hepatocytes than previously shown.

Compounds that either produced a higher proportion or greater absolute number of phenotypically identified nave, stem cell memory, central memory T cells, adaptive NK cells, and type I NKT cells are identified. Compositions and methods for modulating immune cells including T, NK, and NKT cells for adoptive cell therapies with improved efficacy are provided.

Described herein are cell culture methods of producing hepatocytes, or mature, highly functional hepatocyte-like cells in vitro; cell culture media suitable for use in these methods; functional hepatocytes, or mature, highly functional hepatocyte-like cells produced by these methods; and cell compositions comprising hepatocytes, or mature, highly functional hepatocyte-like cells produced by these methods.

This disclosure relates to the use of DNA methyltransferase inhibitors, alone or in combination with Aurora kinase inhibitors, to treat muscle cells isolated from contractured muscles or to prepare isolated and treated muscle cell compositions. The analogs or drug combinations or cell compositions can be used to treat or to prevent skeletal muscle contractures, skeletal muscle atrophy, and muscle tissue remodeling in patients such as those with cerebral palsy. A method is provided for the treatment of the conditions listed above using muscle cells treated with DNA methyltransferase inhibitors in vitro, alone or along with other active agents, cells or biocompatible materials, and transplanted into patients with cerebral palsy or other muscle conditions.