Described herein are methods and compositions related to generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Improved techniques for establishing highly efficient, reproducible reprogramming using non-integrating episomal plasmid vectors. Using the described reprogramming protocol, one is able to consistently reprogram non-T cells with close to 100% success from non-T cell or non-B cell sources. Further advantages include use of a defined reprogramming media E7 and using defined clinically compatible substrate recombinant human L-521. Generation of iPSCs from these blood cell sources allows for recapitulation of the entire genomic repertoire, preservation of genomic fidelity and enhanced genomic stability.

A cell culture cartridge is provided comprising a plurality of zones geometrically configured to provide for symmetrical fluid flow with each of the plurality of zones to avoid dead areas in flow within each of the plurality of zones. In certain embodiments, at least eight inlets are provided, with an inlet positioned at each corner of the cell culture cartridge. In certain embodiments, a shared outlet is positioned on a top surface of the cell culture cartridge.

The present invention relates to methods for producing immuno-suppressive dendritic cells. The present invention further relates to the use of such cells for treating patients suffering from autoimmune diseases, hypersensitivity diseases, rejection on solid-organ transplantation and/or Graft-versus-Host disease.

Methods are disclosed for reprogramming a somatic cell, including an adherent cell and a cell in suspension, into an induced pluripotent stem comprising expressing exogenous Sox-2, exogenous Klf-4, exogenous Oct3/4 from DNA that has not integrated into the genome of the somatic cell, suppressing p53 activity within the somatic cell, and exposing the somatic cell to reprogramming-assistance factors comprising an exogenous Alk-5 inhibitor, an exogenous histone deacetylase inhibitor, and an exogenous activator of glycolysis. Compositions and kits for use in such methods are also disclosed as are cells made by such a method.

The present disclosure provides an in vitro method of generating bovine monocyte-derived macrophages from monocytes that produce nitric oxide and use as an indicator of innate immune response potential. The culture system includes culturing bovine monocytes in serum-free media supplemented with granulocyte-macrophage stimulating factor (GM-CSF) to generate monocyte-derived macrophages that produce nitric oxide.

The present invention relates, in part, to methods of inducing immunogenic cell death to treat a cancer in a subject comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an agent that increases one or more biomarkers listed in Table 1 in combination with an inducer of immunogenic cell death (ICD).

According to the present disclosure, there is provided a method for culturing cells into which a reprogramming factor is introduced including culturing cells into which a reprogramming factor is introduced; and recovering all cells into which the reprogramming factor is introduced and seeding and passaging at least part of the recovered cells in a medium. In addition, there is provided a method for culturing cells into which a reprogramming factor is introduced, including culturing cells into which a reprogramming factor is introduced; and inducing somatic cells different from pluripotent stem cells without passaging the cells into which the reprogramming factor is introduced.

The invention provides methods and compositions for producing a multi-layered cellular structure or blastocyst-like structure from a cell population of reprogrammed somatic cells.

Provided here methods of generating human alveolar macrophage-like cells in-vitro from blood-derived monocytes by culturing them in a cell culture medium containing a mixture of a surfactant and two or more cytokines. This mixture can contain calfactant, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, transforming growth factor beta, and interleukin-10.

Disclosed are means, methods and compositions of matter useful for induction of immunity towards cancer stem cells by providing a dendritic cell, wherein said dendritic cells express BORIS and/or peptides derived from BORIS, wherein said dendritic cell is cultured in the presence of one or more immunocytes. In one embodiment said dendritic cells are derived from umbilical cord blood sources and allogeneic to T cells, which are expanded ex vivo and used for the purposes of immunotherapy.