The present invention relates to methods of obtaining a mixed population of human XCR1+ and plasmacytoid dendritic cells from hematopoietic stem cells. Human DC subsets are rare in blood and other tissues, difficult and expensive to isolate, and fragile. Hence, to advance on deciphering their functions and their molecular regulation, there is a strong need for relevant in vitro models. The inventors developed a new protocol allowing simultaneous generation of the various human DC subsets in vitro from hematopoietic progenitors. In particular, the present invention relates to a method of obtaining a mixed population of human XCR1.sup.+ and plasmacytoid dendritic cells said method comprising the steps of i) culturing a population of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) or committed hematopoietic precursor cells in the presence of a Notch ligand, and thereafter, ii) isolating human XCR1.sup.+ and plasmacytoid dendritic cells from the culture.

Described herein are cells, cell culture methods, and cell culture media compositions useful for producing and maintaining iPSC-derived cell lines that are of higher purity and maintain cell type integrity better than current iPSC-derived cell lines. Also disclosed are methods of using the described cells and media, such as therapeutic methods of use for the described cells. The described cells include iPSC-derived mesodermal precursor cells (MPC), which itself may differentiate into at least four different cell types. When cultured under appropriate conditions, the mesodermal precursor cells can be used to produce hematopoietic stem cells (HSC), mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), smooth muscle cells (SMC), or unlimited functional endothelial cells (UFEC). One characteristic that makes the described cells desirable is that they can be maintained in culture for a number of days, or passages, without changing phenotype through differentiation.

The present invention provides a pluripotent stem cell comprising a co-expression vector in which Runx1 and Hoxa9 are of in tandem, and a T cell differentiated therefrom and application thereof. In the present invention, Pluripotent stem cells inducibly co-expressing exogenous Runx1 and Hoxa9 are successfully established by introducing an exogenous vector co-expressing Runx1 and Hoxa9 into pluripotent stem cells. The pluripotent stem cells are directionally differentiated into T-lineage progenitor cells and will be developed into T cells. The pluripotent stem cell-derived T cells obtained by the method of the present invention are not only functionally normal but also have no tumorigenic risk.

Provided are methods for expanding stem cells and/or lineage committed progenitor cells, at least in part, by using lactam compounds that antagonize AhR. The compounds are represented by formula (I):

##STR00001##

wherein the letters and symbols X.sup.1, X.sup.2, Z, R.sup.1b, R.sup.1c, R.sup.1d, R.sup.1e, R.sup.2a, R.sup.2b, R.sup.2c and R.sup.2d have the meanings provided below. Also provided are compositions comprising stem cells and/or lineage committed progenitor cells expanded by methods disclosed herein and methods for the treatment of diseases treatable by same.

The present specification provides libraries of HLA homozygous induced pluripotent cell lines.

Methods for producing megakaryocytes and platelets derived from inducible pluripotent stem cells and comprising a therapeutic agent are provided. The present disclosure further provides methods and compositions for loading a platelet or a megakaryocyte with a therapeutic agent and for genetically modifying a platelet or a megakaryocyte to express an agent.

The disclosure relates to aryl hydrocarbon receptor antagonists as well as methods of modulating aryl hydrocarbon receptor activity and expanding hematopoietic stem cells by culturing hematopoietic stem or progenitor cells in the presence of these agents. Additionally, the disclosure provides methods of treating various pathologies, such as cancer, by administration of these aryl hydrocarbon receptor antagonists. Additionally, the disclosure provides methods of treating various pathologies in a patient by administration of expanded hematopoietic stem cells. The disclosure further provides kits containing aryl hydrocarbon receptor antagonists that can be used for the expansion of hematopoietic stem cells. The disclosure further relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds and methods of treating or preventing a disease in which aryl hydrocarbon receptor plays a role.

A method for producing natural killer cells is disclosed. The method comprises isolating peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from a blood sample; isolating at least one of CD56+ cells and/or CD3−/CD56+ cells from the PBMCs; and co-culturing the at least one of CD56+ cells and/or CD3−/CD56+ cells with a combination of feeder cells in the presence of a cytokine. A composition for treating cancer is also disclosed. The composition comprises the CD56+ natural killer cells produced by the disclosed method and a cytokine.

A method of generating multipotent stem cells from adult human peripheral blood cells by isolating the peripheral blood insulin-producing cells and exposing them to adult peripheral blood-derived mitochondria. Adult peripheral blood insulin-producing cells (PB-IPC) are isolated from adult peripheral blood by adherence to a hydrophobic surface with a positive charge, such as a Petri dish. Once the PB-IPC are isolated, mitochondria derived from adult peripheral blood are applied to the isolated PB-IPC. The mitochondria are then taken in by the PB-IPC and enter the nuclei of the PB-IPC, allowing the cells to be reprogrammed, transforming PB-IPC into multipotent stem cells and giving rise to three germ layer-derived cells. Additionally, PB-IPC give rise to functional CD34+ hematopoietic stem cell (HSC)-like cells after treatment with adult peripheral blood-derived mitochondria.

The present disclosure provides, among other things, a method for efficiently producing natural killer cells from induced pluripotent cells. The method includes the steps of: (I) culturing pluripotent stem cells in a culture medium to produce CD56+/CD3− immune cells.