Use of anti-aging glycoprotein for enhancing survival of neurosensory precursor cells

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an in vitro method for enhancing engraftment of neurosensory precursor cell comprising the step of contacting an isolated neurosensory precursor cell prior to a transplantation in a subject in need thereof, with a gem-difluorinated C-glycopeptide compound of general formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable base, addition salt with an acid, hydrate or solvate thereof: ##STR00001##

Claims

1. A method for protecting isolated neurosensory precursor cells from prostaglandin E2 toxicity comprising the step of: a) contacting an isolated neurosensory precursor cell with a gem-difluorinated C-glycopeptide compound of general formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable base, addition salt with an acid, hydrate or solvate thereof, and then washing the isolated neurosensory cells to remove the compound: ##STR00077## in which: N is an integer between 1 and 5, R.sup.4═H, AA.sub.1, or AA.sub.1-AA.sub.2, R.sup.5═OH, AA.sub.1, or AA.sub.1-AA.sub.2, AA.sub.1 and AA.sub.2 independently represent amino acids with a non-polar side chain and R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 are independent groups in which two of R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are selected from H, CH.sub.3, CH.sub.2Ph, CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2, CH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2 or CH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2CH.sub.3 and the remaining R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 is ##STR00078## in which: n is an integer between 3 and 4, Y, Y′ are independent groups in which Y, Y′═H, OR, N.sub.3, NR′R″, or SR′″, where R═H, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl or acetate group, R′, R″ independently=H, alkyl, allyl, benzyl, tosylate group, C(═O)-alkyl or C(═O)-Bn, R′″═H, alkyl, or acetate group, R.sup.6 is H, CH.sub.3, CH.sub.2OH, CH.sub.2-glycoside group or CH.sub.2—OGP in which GP is a protector group selected from alkyl, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl, or acetate group, R.sup.7═OH, OGP′, NH.sub.2, N.sub.3, NHGP′ or NGP′GP″ in which GP′ and GP″ are independently selected from alkyl, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl, or acetate group, R.sup.8 is a hydrogen atom H or a free or protected alcohol function, and if R.sup.1═R.sup.2═H, CH.sub.3, CH.sub.2Ph, CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2, CH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2, or CH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2CH.sub.3 then ##STR00079## in which: n is an integer between 3 and 4, Y, Y′ are independent groups in which Y, Y′═H, OR, N.sub.3, NR′R″, or SR′″, where R═H, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl, or acetate group, R′, R″ independently=H, alkyl, allyl, benzyl, tosylate group, C(═O)-alkyl, or C(═O)-Bn, R′″═H, alkyl, or acetate group, R.sup.6 is H, CH.sub.3, CH.sub.2OH, CH.sub.2-glycoside group, or CH.sub.2—OGP in which GP is a protector group selected from alkyl, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tertbutyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl, or acetate group, R.sup.7═OH, OGP′, NH.sub.2, N.sub.3, NHGP′, or NGP′GP″ in which GP′ and GP″ are independently selected from alkyl, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tertbutyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl, or acetate group, R.sup.8 is a hydrogen atom H or a free or protected alcohol function, if R.sup.1═R.sup.3═H, CH.sub.3, CH.sub.2Ph, CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2, CH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2, or CH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2CH.sub.3 then ##STR00080## in which: n is an integer between 3 and 4, Y, Y′ are independent groups in which Y, Y′═H, OR, N.sub.3, NR′R″, or SR′″, where R═H, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl, or acetate group, R′, R″ independently=H, alkyl, allyl, benzyl, tosylate group, C(═O)-alkyl, or C(═O)-Bn, R′″═H, alkyl, or acetate group, R.sup.6 is H, CH.sub.3, CH.sub.2OH, CH.sub.2-glycoside group, or CH.sub.2—OGP in which GP is a protector group selected from alkyl, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl, or acetate group, R.sup.7═OH, OGP′, NH.sub.2, N.sub.3, NHGP′, or NGP′GP″ in which GP′ and GP″ are independently selected from alkyl, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tertbutyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl, or acetate group, R.sup.8 is a hydrogen atom H or a free or protected alcohol function, if R.sup.2═R.sup.3═H, CH.sub.3, CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2, CH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2, or CH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2CH.sub.3 then ##STR00081## in which: n is an integer between 3 and 4, Y, Y′ are independent groups in which Y, Y′H, OR, N.sub.3, NR′R″, or SR′″, where R═H, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl, or acetate group, R′, R″ independently=H, alkyl, allyl, benzyl, tosylate group, C(═O)-alkyl, or C(═O)-Bn, R′″═H, alkyl, or acetate group, R.sup.6 is H, CH.sub.3, CH.sub.2OH, CH.sub.2-glycoside group, or CH.sub.2—OGP in which GP is a protector group selected from alkyl, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl, or acetate group, R.sup.7═OH, OGP′, NH.sub.2, N.sub.3, NHGP′, or NGP′GP″ in which GP′ and GP″ are independently selected from alkyl, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tertbutyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl, or acetate group, R.sup.8 is a hydrogen atom H or a free or protected alcohol function b) transplanting the treated isolated neurosensory precursor cells of step a) in a subject in need thereof, wherein said compound protects said isolated neurosensory precursor cell from prostaglandin E2 toxicity and wherein the method comprises no step where said isolated neurosensory precursor cells are cryopreserved.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the compound of formula I is a compound of formula II: ##STR00082## in which: N is an integer between 1 and 5, and R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 are independent groups in which two of R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are selected from H, CH.sub.3 and the remaining R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 is ##STR00083## in which: n is an integer between 3 and 4, Y, Y′ are independent groups in which Y, Y′═H, OR, N.sub.3, NR′R″ or SR′″, where R═H, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl, or acetate group, R′, R″ independently=H, alkyl, allyl, benzyl, tosylate group, C(═O)-alkyl, or C(═O)-Bn, R′″═H, alkyl, or acetate group, R.sup.6 is selected from H, CH.sub.3, CH.sub.2OH, CH.sub.2—OGP in which GP is a protector group selected from alkyl, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl, or acetate group, R.sup.7═OH, OGP′, NH.sub.2, N.sub.3, NHGP′, NGP′GP″ in which GP′ and GP″ are independently selected from alkyl, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl or acetate group, R.sup.8 is a hydrogen atom H or a free or protected alcohol function, and if R.sup.1═R.sup.2═H or CH.sub.3, then ##STR00084## in which: n is an integer between 3 and 4, Y, Y′ are independent groups in which Y, Y′═H, OR, N.sub.3, NR′R″, or SR′″, where R═H, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl, or acetate group, R′, R″ independently=H, alkyl, allyl, benzyl, tosylate group, C(═O)-alkyl, or C(═O)-Bn, R′″═H, alkyl, or acetate group, R.sup.6 is selected from H, CH.sub.3, CH.sub.2OH, CH.sub.2—OGP in which GP is a protector group selected from alkyl, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl, or acetate group, R.sup.7═OH, OGP′, NH.sub.2, N.sub.3, NHGP′, NGP′GP″ in which GP′ and GP″ are independently selected from alkyl, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl, or acetate group, R.sup.8 is a hydrogen atom H or a free or protected alcohol function, if R.sup.1═R.sup.3═H or CH.sub.3, then ##STR00085## in which: n is an integer between 3 and 4, Y, Y′ are independent groups in which Y, Y′═H, OR, N.sub.3, NR′R″, SR′″, where R═H, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl, or acetate group, R′, R″ independently=H, alkyl, allyl, Bn, tosylate, C(═O)-alkyl, or C(═O)-Bn, R′″═H, alkyl, or acetate group, R.sup.6 is selected from H, CH.sub.3, CH.sub.2OH, or CH.sub.2—OGP in which GP is a protector group selected from alkyl, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl, or acetate group, R.sup.7═OH, OGP′, NH.sub.2, N.sub.3, NHGP′, or NGP′GP″ in which GP′ and GP″ are independently selected from alkyl, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl, or acetate group, R.sup.8 is a hydrogen atom H or a free or protected alcohol function, if R.sup.2═R.sup.3═H or CH.sub.3, then ##STR00086## in which: n is an integer between 3 and 4, Y, Y′ are independent groups in which Y, Y′H, OR, N.sub.3, NR′R″, or SR′″, where R═H, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl, or acetate group, R′, R″ independently=H, alkyl, allyl, benzyl, tosylate group, C(═O)-alkyl, or C(═O)-Bn, R′″═H, alkyl, or acetate group, R.sup.6 is selected from H, CH.sub.3, CH.sub.2OH, or CH.sub.2—OGP in which GP is a protector group selected from alkyl, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl, or acetate group, R.sup.7═OH, OGP′, NH.sub.2, N.sub.3, NHGP′, or NGP′GP″ in which GP′ and GP″ are independently selected from alkyl, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl, or acetate group, R.sup.8 is a hydrogen atom or a free or protected alcohol function.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein said compound of formula I is a compound of formula III: ##STR00087##

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the isolated neurosensory precursor cell is contacted with the compound for at least 1 hour.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein concentration of the compound is from about 1 mg/ml to about 5 mg/ml.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein concentration of said compound is from about 1 mg/ml to about 3 mg/ml, or from about 3 mg/ml to about 5 mg/ml.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein said neurosensory precursor cell is a photoreceptor precursor cell.

8. An isolated neurosensory precursor cell prepared according to the method of claim 1.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein said subject is receiving an immunosuppressant drug.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the immunosuppressant drug is daclizumab, sirolimus, tacrolimus, cyclosporine, or a combination thereof.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein said subject is a human subject.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein said method is for treating a retinal degenerative disease.

13. The method of claim 12, where said retinal degenerative disease is age-related macular degeneration (AMD), retinitis pigmentosa (RP), retinal vasculitis, or sarcoidosis.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Further features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in combination with the appended drawings, in which:

(2) FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate the ex vivo model system as used to identify the present invention. (FIG. 1A) Schematic representation of the co-culture model system. Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is cultured on a polyester membrane and a neurosensory retinal explant is placed upon it with a tissue culture insert (polytetrafluoroethylene membrane). The photoreceptor layer faces the apical surface of the RPE. Precursor cells are placed upon the RPE surface before the retinal explant is added to the culture. (FIG. 1B) A low magnification representative image of a frozen cross-section through the co-culture model system. The precursor cells (arrowheads) reside on top of the RPE layer and underneath the retinal explant.

(3) FIGS. 2A-2C illustrates that AAGP™ reduces the amount of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) secreted by degenerating explants and the level of COX-2 expression. PGE2 is toxic to photoreceptor precursor cells (PPCs). (FIG. 2A) Rat retinal explants were cultured in explant medium with or without 4 mg/ml AAGP (n=3 for each condition). Explant media was replaced after 24 hours and replenished every other day with medium not containing AAGP. After ten days, explant medium was collected and processed for PGE2 ELISA. Histograms represent the amount of PGE2 (pg/ml) present in the explant medium. (FIG. 2B) COX-2 expression was assessed by RT-qPCR in stressed ARPE-19 cells in the presence or absence of 4 mg/ml AAGP (n=4). Histograms represent fold change in COX-2 expression, normalized to GAPDH. (FIG. 2C) Cultured PPCs were treated with increasing amounts of PGE2 for 48 hours, followed by the MTT assay (n=4). The effect on PPCs' metabolic activity was plotted as a function of PGE2 concentrations.

(4) FIG. 3 illustrates that Cell survival is enhanced by pre-incubation with AAGP™. Untreated or AAGP™-treated PPCs are fluorescently labelled and placed between retinal explants and RPE for ten days (n=4). Live PPCs are separated by Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting and the proportion of cells surviving after 10 days of co-culture was calculated. Percent cell survival of untreated and AAGP-treated PPCs was plotted () and for each condition the average±SEM is represented by a thick black line.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(5) In embodiments there are disclosed an in vitro method for enhancing engraftment of neurosensory precursor cells comprising the step of: a) contacting an isolated neurosensory precursor cell prior to a transplantation in a subject in need thereof, with a gem-difluorinated C-glycopeptide compound of general formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable base, addition salt with an acid, hydrate or solvate thereof, and then washing the isolated neurosensory precursor cells to remove the compound:

(6) ##STR00061## in which: N is an integer between 1 and 5, R.sup.4═H, AA.sub.1, or AA.sub.1-AA.sub.2, R.sup.5═OH, AA.sub.1, or AA.sub.1-AA.sub.2, AA.sub.1 and AA.sub.2 independently represent amino acids with a non-polar side chain and R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 are independent groups in which two of R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are selected from H, CH.sub.3, CH.sub.2Ph, CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2, CH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2 or CH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2CH.sub.3 and the remaining R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 is

(7) ##STR00062## in which: n is an integer between 3 and 4, Y, Y′ are independent groups in which Y, Y′═H, OR, N.sub.3, NR′R″, or SR′″, where R═H, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl or acetate group, R′, R″ independently=H, alkyl, allyl, benzyl, tosylate group, C(═O)-alkyl or C(═O)-Bn, R′″═H, alkyl, or acetate group, R.sup.6 is H, CH.sub.3, CH.sub.2OH, CH.sub.2-glycoside group or CH.sub.2—OGP in which GP is a protector group selected from alkyl, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl, or acetate group, R.sup.7═OH, OGP′, NH.sub.2, N.sub.3, NHGP′ or NGP′GP″ in which GP′ and GP″ are independently selected from alkyl, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl, or acetate group, R.sup.8 is a hydrogen atom H or a free or protected alcohol function, and if R.sup.1═R.sup.2═H, CH.sub.3, CH.sub.2Ph, CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2, CH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2, or CH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2CH.sub.3 then

(8) ##STR00063## in which: n is an integer between 3 and 4, Y, Y′ are independent groups in which Y, Y′═H, OR, N.sub.3, NR′R″, or SR′″, where R═H, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl, or acetate group, R′, R″ independently=H, alkyl, allyl, benzyl, tosylate group, C(═O)-alkyl, or C(═O)-Bn, R′″═H, alkyl, or acetate group, R.sup.6 is H, CH.sub.3, CH.sub.2OH, CH.sub.2-glycoside group, or CH.sub.2—OGP in which GP is a protector group selected from alkyl, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tertbutyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl, or acetate group, R.sup.7═OH, OGP′, NH.sub.2, N.sub.3, NHGP′, or NGP′GP″ in which GP′ and GP″ are independently selected from alkyl, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tertbutyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl, or acetate group, R.sup.8 is a hydrogen atom H or a free or protected alcohol function, if R.sup.1═R.sup.3═H, CH.sub.3, CH.sub.2Ph, CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2, CH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2, or CH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2CH.sub.3 then

(9) ##STR00064## in which: n is an integer between 3 and 4, Y, Y′ are independent groups in which Y, Y′═H, OR, N.sub.3, NR′R″, or SR′″, where R═H, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl, or acetate group, R′, R″ independently=H, alkyl, allyl, benzyl, tosylate group, C(═O)-alkyl, or C(═O)-Bn, R′″═H, alkyl, or acetate group, R.sup.6 is H, CH.sub.3, CH.sub.2OH, CH.sub.2-glycoside group, or CH.sub.2—OGP in which GP is a protector group selected from alkyl, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl, or acetate group, R.sup.7═OH, OGP′, NH.sub.2, N.sub.3, NHGP′, or NGP′GP″ in which GP′ and GP″ are independently selected from alkyl, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tertbutyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl, or acetate group, R.sup.8 is a hydrogen atom H or a free or protected alcohol function, if R.sup.2═R.sup.3═H, CH.sub.3, CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2, CH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2, or CH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2CH.sub.3 then

(10) ##STR00065## in which: n is an integer between 3 and 4, Y, Y′ are independent groups in which Y, Y′H, OR, N.sub.3, NR′R″, or SR′″, where R═H, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl, or acetate group, R′, R″ independently=H, alkyl, allyl, benzyl, tosylate group, C(═O)-alkyl, or C(═O)-Bn, R′″═H, alkyl, or acetate group, R.sup.6 is H, CH.sub.3, CH.sub.2OH, CH.sub.2-glycoside group, or CH.sub.2—OGP in which GP is a protector group selected from alkyl, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl, or acetate group, R.sup.7═OH, OGP′, NH.sub.2, N.sub.3, NHGP′, or NGP′GP″ in which GP′ and GP″ are independently selected from alkyl, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tertbutyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl, or acetate group, R.sup.8 is a hydrogen atom H or a free or protected alcohol function.

(11) In another embodiments there is disclosed an in vitro method for protecting isolated neurosensory precursor cells from prostaglandin E2 toxicity comprising the step of: a) contacting an isolated neurosensory precursor cells with a gem-difluorinated C-glycopeptide compound of general formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable base, addition salt with an acid, hydrate or solvate thereof, and then washing the isolated neurosensory cells to remove the compound:

(12) ##STR00066## in which: N is an integer between 1 and 5, R.sup.4═H, AA.sub.1, or AA.sub.1-AA.sub.2, R.sup.5═OH, AA.sub.1, or AA.sub.1-AA.sub.2, AA.sub.1 and AA.sub.2 independently represent amino acids with a non-polar side chain and R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 are independent groups in which two of R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are selected from H, CH.sub.3, CH.sub.2Ph, CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2, CH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2 or CH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2CH.sub.3 and the remaining R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 is

(13) ##STR00067## in which: n is an integer between 3 and 4, Y, Y′ are independent groups in which Y, Y′═H, OR, N.sub.3, NR′R″, or SR′″, where R═H, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl or acetate group, R′, R″ independently=H, alkyl, allyl, benzyl, tosylate group, C(═O)-alkyl or C(═O)-Bn, R′″═H, alkyl, or acetate group, R.sup.6 is H, CH.sub.3, CH.sub.2OH, CH.sub.2-glycoside group or CH.sub.2—OGP in which GP is a protector group selected from alkyl, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl, or acetate group, R.sup.7═OH, OGP′, NH.sub.2, N.sub.3, NHGP′ or NGP′GP″ in which GP′ and GP″ are independently selected from alkyl, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl, or acetate group, R.sup.8 is a hydrogen atom H or a free or protected alcohol function, and if R.sup.1═R.sup.2═H, CH.sub.3, CH.sub.2Ph, CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2, CH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2, or CH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2CH.sub.3 then

(14) ##STR00068## in which: n is an integer between 3 and 4, Y, Y′ are independent groups in which Y, Y′═H, OR, N.sub.3, NR′R″, or SR′″, where R═H, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl, or acetate group, R′, R″ independently=H, alkyl, allyl, benzyl, tosylate group, C(═O)-alkyl, or C(═O)-Bn, R′″═H, alkyl, or acetate group, R.sup.6 is H, CH.sub.3, CH.sub.2OH, CH.sub.2-glycoside group, or CH.sub.2—OGP in which GP is a protector group selected from alkyl, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tertbutyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl, or acetate group, R.sup.7═OH, OGP′, NH.sub.2, N.sub.3, NHGP′, or NGP′GP″ in which GP′ and GP″ are independently selected from alkyl, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tertbutyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl, or acetate group, R.sup.8 is a hydrogen atom H or a free or protected alcohol function, if R.sup.1═R.sup.3═H, CH.sub.3, CH.sub.2Ph, CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2, CH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2, or CH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2CH.sub.3 then

(15) ##STR00069## in which: n is an integer between 3 and 4, Y, Y′ are independent groups in which Y, Y′═H, OR, N.sub.3, NR′R″, or SR′″, where R═H, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl, or acetate group, R′, R″ independently=H, alkyl, allyl, benzyl, tosylate group, C(═O)-alkyl, or C(═O)-Bn, R′″═H, alkyl, or acetate group, R.sup.6 is H, CH.sub.3, CH.sub.2OH, CH.sub.2-glycoside group, or CH.sub.2—OGP in which GP is a protector group selected from alkyl, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl, or acetate group, R.sup.7═OH, OGP′, NH.sub.2, N.sub.3, NHGP′, or NGP′GP″ in which GP′ and GP″ are independently selected from alkyl, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tertbutyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl, or acetate group, R.sup.8 is a hydrogen atom H or a free or protected alcohol function, if R.sup.2═R.sup.3═H, CH.sub.3, CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2, CH.sub.2CH(CH.sub.3).sub.2, or CH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2CH.sub.3
then

(16) ##STR00070## in which: n is an integer between 3 and 4, Y, Y′ are independent groups in which Y, Y′H, OR, N.sub.3, NR′R″, or SR′″, where R═H, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl, or acetate group, R′, R″ independently=H, alkyl, allyl, benzyl, tosylate group, C(═O)-alkyl, or C(═O)-Bn, R′″═H, alkyl, or acetate group, R.sup.6 is H, CH.sub.3, CH.sub.2OH, CH.sub.2-glycoside group, or CH.sub.2—OGP in which GP is a protector group selected from alkyl, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl, or acetate group, R.sup.7═OH, OGP′, NH.sub.2, N.sub.3, NHGP′, or NGP′GP″ in which GP′ and GP″ are independently selected from alkyl, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tertbutyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl, or acetate group, R.sup.8 is a hydrogen atom H or a free or protected alcohol function wherein the compound protects the isolated neurosensory precursor cells from prostaglandin E2 toxicity.

(17) Contacting may be prior to a transplantation in a subject in need thereof, for example, a human subject.

(18) In embodiments, the compound of formula I is a compound of formula II:

(19) ##STR00071## in which: N is an integer between 1 and 5, and R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3 are independent groups in which two of R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are selected from H, CH.sub.3 and the remaining R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 is

(20) ##STR00072## in which: n is an integer between 3 and 4, Y, Y′ are independent groups in which Y, Y′═H, OR, N.sub.3, NR′R″ or SR′″, where R═H, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl, or acetate group, R′, R″ independently=H, alkyl, allyl, benzyl, tosylate group, C(═O)-alkyl, or C(═O)-Bn, R′″═H, alkyl, or acetate group, R.sup.6 is selected from H, CH.sub.3, CH.sub.2OH, CH.sub.2—OGP in which GP is a protector group selected from alkyl, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl, or acetate group, R.sup.7═OH, OGP′, NH.sub.2, N.sub.3, NHGP′, NGP′GP″ in which GP′ and GP″ are independently selected from alkyl, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl or acetate group, R.sup.8 is a hydrogen atom H or a free or protected alcohol function, and if R.sup.1═R.sup.2═H or CH.sub.3, then

(21) ##STR00073## in which: n is an integer between 3 and 4, Y, Y′ are independent groups in which Y, Y′═H, OR, N.sub.3, NR′R″, or SR′″, where R═H, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl, or acetate group, R′, R″ independently=H, alkyl, allyl, benzyl, tosylate group, C(═O)-alkyl, or C(═O)-Bn, R′″═H, alkyl, or acetate group, R.sup.6 is selected from H, CH.sub.3, CH.sub.2OH, CH.sub.2—OGP in which GP is a protector group selected from alkyl, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl, or acetate group, R.sup.7═OH, OGP′, NH.sub.2, N.sub.3, NHGP′, NGP′GP″ in which GP′ and GP″ are independently selected from alkyl, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl, or acetate group, R.sup.8 is a hydrogen atom H or a free or protected alcohol function, if R.sup.1═R.sup.3═H or CH.sub.3, then

(22) ##STR00074## in which: n is an integer between 3 and 4, Y, Y′ are independent groups in which Y, Y′═H, OR, N.sub.3, NR′R″, SR′″, where R═H, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl, or acetate group, R′, R″ independently=H, alkyl, allyl, Bn, tosylate, C(═O)-alkyl, or C(═O)-Bn, R′″═H, alkyl, or acetate group, R.sup.6 is selected from H, CH.sub.3, CH.sub.2OH, or CH.sub.2—OGP in which GP is a protector group selected from alkyl, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl, or acetate group, R.sup.7═OH, OGP′, NH.sub.2, N.sub.3, NHGP′, or NGP′GP″ in which GP′ and GP″ are independently selected from alkyl, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl, or acetate group, R.sup.8 is a hydrogen atom H or a free or protected alcohol function, if R.sup.2═R.sup.3═H or CH.sub.3, then

(23) ##STR00075## in which: n is an integer between 3 and 4, Y, Y′ are independent groups in which Y, Y′H, OR, N.sub.3, NR′R″, or SR′″, where R═H, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl, or acetate group, R′, R″ independently=H, alkyl, allyl, benzyl, tosylate group, C(═O)-alkyl, or C(═O)-Bn, R′″═H, alkyl, or acetate group, R.sup.6 is selected from H, CH.sub.3, CH.sub.2OH, or CH.sub.2—OGP in which GP is a protector group selected from alkyl, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl, or acetate group, R.sup.7═OH, OGP′, NH.sub.2, N.sub.3, NHGP′, or NGP′GP″ in which GP′ and GP″ are independently selected from alkyl, benzyl, trimethylsilyl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, tert-butyldiphenylsilyl, or acetate group, R.sup.8 is a hydrogen atom or a free or protected alcohol function.

(24) In an embodiment, the compound of formula I is a compound of formula III:

(25) ##STR00076##

(26) Contacting the isolated neurosensory precursor cells is with from about from about 0.01 mg/ml to about 5 mg/ml, or about 1 mg/ml to about 5 mg/ml, or 1 mg/ml to about 3 mg/ml, or from about 3 mg/ml to about 5 mg/ml of the compound of formula I, formula II or formula III.

(27) According to another embodiment, there is disclosed an isolated neurosensory precursor cells prepared according to the method of the present invention.

(28) According to another embodiment, there is disclosed a method of transplanting neurosensory precursor cells in a subject in need thereof comprising the steps of: a) transplanting an isolated neurosensory precursor cells prepared according to the method of the present invention, in the subject in need thereof.

(29) According to another embodiment, there is disclosed a method of treating a retinal degenerative disease comprising the step of: a) transplanting an isolated neurosensory precursor cell prepared according to the method of the present invention, in the subject in need thereof.

(30) In embodiments, the immunosuppressant drug may be daclizumab, sirolimus, tacrolimus, cyclosporine, or a combination thereof.

(31) According to another embodiment, there is disclosed a method of treating a retinal degenerative disease comprising the step of: a) transplanting an isolated neurosensory precursor cell prepared according to the method of the present invention, in the subject in need thereof.

(32) The retinal degenerative disease may be age-related macular degeneration (AMD), retinitis pigmentosa (RP), retinal vasculitis, or sarcoidosis.

(33) According to another embodiment, there is provided a use of an isolated neurosensory precursor cell prepared according to the method of the present invention, for transplantation to a subject in need thereof.

(34) According to another embodiment, there is provided a use of an isolated neurosensory precursor cell prepared according to the method of the present invention, for treatment of a retinal degenerative disease in a subject in need thereof.

(35) The retinal degenerative disease is age-related macular degeneration (AMD), retinitis pigmentosa (RP), retinal vasculitis, or sarcoidosis.

(36) According to another embodiment, there is provided a use of an isolated neurosensory precursor cell according to the method of the present invention, for transplantation to a subject in need thereof.

(37) According to another embodiment, there is provided an isolated neurosensory precursor cell contacted with a gem-difluorinated C-glycopeptide compound of general formula I (above), or a pharmaceutically acceptable base, addition salt with an acid, hydrate or solvate thereof. The compound of formula I may be a compound of formula II (as shown above). The compound of formula I may be a compound of formula III (as shown above).

(38) According to another embodiment, there is provided a use of a gem-difluorinated C-glycopeptide compound of general formula I (as shown above), or a pharmaceutically acceptable base, addition salt with an acid, hydrate or solvate thereof, for enhancing engraftment of isolated neurosensory precursor cell in a subject in need thereof.

(39) According to another embodiment, there is provided a use of a gem-difluorinated C-glycopeptide compound of general formula I (as shown above), or a pharmaceutically acceptable base, addition salt with an acid, hydrate or solvate thereof, for protecting isolated neurosensory precursor cell from prostaglandin E2 toxicity prior to transplantation in a subject in need thereof. The formula I may be a compound of formula II (as shown above). The compound of formula I may be a compound of formula III as shown above.

(40) According to another embodiment, there is provided a gem-difluorinated C-glycopeptide compound of general formula I (as shown above), or a pharmaceutically acceptable base, addition salt with an acid, hydrate or solvate thereof, for use in enhancing engraftment of an isolated neurosensory precursor cell in a subject in need thereof. The formula I may be a compound of formula II (as shown above). The compound of formula I may be a compound of formula III as shown above.

(41) According to another embodiment, there is provided a gem-difluorinated C-glycopeptide compound of general formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable base, addition salt with an acid, hydrate or solvate thereof, for protecting isolated neurosensory precursor cell from prostaglandin E2 toxicity prior to transplantation in a subject in need thereof. The formula I may be a compound of formula II (as shown above). The compound of formula I may be a compound of formula III as shown above. The compound of formula I, II or III may be washed away to be remove from the isolated neurosensory precursor cell.

(42) The invention includes the compounds as shown, and also includes (where possible) individual diastereomers, enantiomers, and epimers of the compounds, and mixtures of diastereomers and/or enantiomers thereof including racemic mixtures. Although the specific stereochemistries disclosed herein are preferred, other stereoisomers, including diastereomers, enantiomers, epimers, and mixtures of these may also be useful. Inactive or less active diastereoisomers and enantiomers are useful for scientific studies relating to the targets and/or the mechanism of activation.

(43) The compounds disclosed herein may be used in pharmaceutical compositions comprising (a) the compound(s) or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and (b) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The compounds may be used in pharmaceutical compositions that include one or more other active pharmaceutical ingredients. The compounds may also be used in pharmaceutical compositions in which the compound of Formula I, II or III, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is the only active ingredient.

(44) Compounds of structural Formula I, structural Formula II and/or structural Formula III may contain one or more asymmetric centers and can thus occur as racemates and racemic mixtures, single enantiomers, diastereomeric mixtures and individual diastereomers. The present invention is meant to comprehend all such isomeric forms of the compounds of structural Formula I, structural Formula II and/or structural Formula III.

(45) Compounds of structural Formula I, structural Formula II and/or structural Formula III may be separated into their individual diastereoisomers by, for example, fractional crystallization from a suitable solvent, for example methanol or ethyl acetate or a mixture thereof, or via chiral chromatography using an optically active stationary phase. Absolute stereochemistry may be determined by X-ray crystallography of crystalline products or crystalline intermediates which are derivatized, if necessary, with a reagent containing an asymmetric center of known absolute configuration.

(46) Alternatively, any stereoisomer of a compound of the general structural Formula I, structural Formula II and/or structural Formula III may be obtained by stereospecific synthesis using optically pure starting materials or reagents of known absolute configuration.

(47) If desired, racemic mixtures of the compounds may be separated so that the individual enantiomers are isolated. The separation can be carried out by methods well known in the art, such as the coupling of a racemic mixture of compounds to an enantiomerically pure compound to form a diastereomeric mixture, followed by separation of the individual diastereomers by standard methods, such as fractional crystallization or chromatography. The coupling reaction is often the formation of salts using an enantiomerically pure acid or base. The diasteromeric derivatives may then be converted to the pure enantiomers by cleavage of the added chiral residue. The racemic mixture of the compounds can also be separated directly by chromatographic methods utilizing chiral stationary phases, which methods are well known in the art.

(48) Some of the compounds described herein contain olefinic double bonds, and unless specified otherwise, are meant to include both E and Z geometric isomers.

(49) Some of the compounds described herein may exist as tautomers, which have different points of attachment of hydrogen accompanied by one or more double bond shifts. For example, a ketone and its enol form are keto-enol tautomers. The individual tautomers as well as mixtures thereof are encompassed with compounds of the present invention.

(50) In the compounds of generic Formula I, Formula II and/or Formula III, the atoms may exhibit their natural isotopic abundances, or one or more of the atoms may be artificially enriched in a particular isotope having the same atomic number, but an atomic mass or mass number different from the atomic mass or mass number predominantly found in nature. The present invention is meant to include all suitable isotopic variations of the compounds of generic Formula I, Formula II and/or Formula III. For example, different isotopic forms of hydrogen (H) include protium (.sup.1H) and deuterium (.sup.2H). Protium is the predominant hydrogen isotope found in nature. Enriching for deuterium may afford certain therapeutic advantages, such as increasing in vivo half-life or reducing dosage requirements, or may provide a compound useful as a standard for characterization of biological samples. Isotopically-enriched compounds within generic Formula I, Formula II and/or Formula III can be prepared without undue experimentation by conventional techniques well known to those skilled in the art.

(51) Salts and Formulations

(52) It will be understood that, as used herein, references to the compounds of structural Formula I, Formula II and/or Formula III are meant to also include the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, and also salts that are not pharmaceutically acceptable when they are used as precursors to the free compounds or their pharmaceutically acceptable salts or in other synthetic manipulations. The term “pharmaceutically acceptable salt” refers to salts prepared from pharmaceutically acceptable non-toxic bases or acids including inorganic or organic bases and inorganic or organic acids. Salts of basic compounds encompassed within the term “pharmaceutically acceptable salt” refer to non-toxic salts of the compounds of this invention which are generally prepared by reacting the free base with a suitable organic or inorganic acid. Representative salts of basic compounds of the present invention include, but are not limited to, the following: acetate, benzenesulfonate, benzoate, bicarbonate, bisulfate, bitartrate, borate, bromide, camsylate, carbonate, chloride, clavulanate, citrate, edetate, edisylate, estolate, esylate, fumarate, gluceptate, gluconate, glutamate, hexylresorcinate, hydrobromide, hydrochloride, hydroxynaphthoate, iodide, isothionate, lactate, lactobionate, laurate, malate, maleate, mandelate, mesylate, methylbromide, methylnitrate, methylsulfate, mucate, napsylate, nitrate, N-methylglucamine ammonium salt, oleate, oxalate, pamoate (embonate), palmitate, pantothenate, phosphate/diphosphate, polygalacturonate, salicylate, stearate, sulfate, subacetate, succinate, tannate, tartrate, teoclate, tosylate, triethiodide and valerate. Furthermore, where the compounds of the invention carry an acidic moiety, suitable pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof include, but are not limited to, salts derived from inorganic bases including aluminum, ammonium, calcium, copper, ferric, ferrous, lithium, magnesium, manganic, mangamous, potassium, sodium, zinc, and the like. Particularly preferred are the ammonium, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium salts. Salts derived from pharmaceutically acceptable organic non-toxic bases include salts of primary, secondary, and tertiary amines, cyclic amines, and basic ion-exchange resins, such as arginine, betaine, caffeine, choline, N,N-dibenzylethylenediamine, diethylamine, 2-diethylaminoethanol, 2-dimethylaminoethanol, ethanolamine, ethylenediamine, N-ethylmorpholine, N-ethylpiperidine, glucamine, glucosamine, histidine, isopropylamine, lysine, methylglucamine, morpholine, piperazine, piperidine, polyamine resins, procaine, purines, theobromine, triethylamine, trimethylamine, tripropylamine, tromethamine, and the like.

(53) Also, in the case of a carboxylic acid (—COOH) or alcohol group being present in the compounds of the present invention, pharmaceutically acceptable esters of carboxylic acid derivatives, such as methyl, ethyl, or pivaloyloxymethyl, or acyl derivatives of alcohols, such as acetyl, pivaloyl, benzoyl, and aminoacyl, can be employed. Included are those esters and acyl groups known in the art for modifying the solubility or hydrolysis characteristics for use as sustained-release or prodrug formulations.

(54) Solvates, in particular hydrates, of the compounds of structural Formula I, Formula II and/or Formula III are included in the present invention as well.

(55) According to an embodiment, the compounds of structural Formula I, Formula II and/or Formula III may be included in various formulations for use as medicaments.

(56) Aqueous suspensions contain the active material in admixture with excipients suitable for the manufacture of aqueous suspensions. Such excipients are suspending agents, for example sodium carboxymethyl-cellulose, methylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethy-cellulose, sodium alginate, polyvinyl-pyrrolidone, gum tragacanth and gum acacia; dispersing or wetting agents may be a naturally-occurring phosphatide, for example lecithin, or condensation products of an alkylene oxide with fatty acids, for example polyoxyethylene stearate, or condensation products of ethylene oxide with long chain aliphatic alcohols, for example heptadecaethylene-oxycetanol, or condensation products of ethylene oxide with partial esters derived from fatty acids and a hexitol such as polyoxyethylene sorbitol monooleate, or condensation products of ethylene oxide with partial esters derived from fatty acids and hexitol anhydrides, for example polyethylene sorbitan monooleate. The aqueous suspensions may also contain one or more preservatives, for example ethyl, or n-propyl, p-hydroxybenzoate, one or more coloring agents, one or more flavoring agents, and one or more sweetening agents, such as sucrose, saccharin or aspartame.

(57) Oily suspensions may be formulated by suspending the active ingredient in a vegetable oil, for example arachis oil, olive oil, sesame oil or coconut oil, or in mineral oil such as liquid paraffin. The oily suspensions may contain a thickening agent, for example beeswax, hard paraffin or cetyl alcohol. Sweetening agents such as those set forth above, and flavoring agents may be added to provide a palatable oral preparation. These compositions may be preserved by the addition of an anti-oxidant such as ascorbic acid.

(58) Dispersible powders and granules suitable for preparation of an aqueous suspension by the addition of water provide the active ingredient in admixture with a dispersing or wetting agent, suspending agent and one or more preservatives. Suitable dispersing or wetting agents and suspending agents are exemplified by those already mentioned above. Additional excipients, for example sweetening, flavoring and coloring agents, may also be present.

(59) The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention may also be in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion. The oily phase may be a vegetable oil, for example olive oil or arachis oil, or a mineral oil, for example liquid paraffin or mixtures of these. Suitable emulsifying agents may be naturally-occurring phosphatides, for example soy bean, lecithin, and esters or partial esters derived from fatty acids and hexitol anhydrides, for example sorbitan monooleate, and condensation products of the the partial esters with ethylene oxide, for example polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate. The emulsions may also contain sweetening and flavouring agents.

(60) The pharmaceutical compositions may be in the form of a sterile injectable aqueous or oleagenous suspension. This suspension may be formulated according to the known art using those suitable dispersing or wetting agents and suspending agents which have been mentioned above. The sterile injectable preparation may also be a sterile injectable solution or suspension in a non-toxic parenterally-acceptable diluent or solvent, for example as a solution in 1,3-butane diol. Among the acceptable vehicles and solvents that may be employed are water, Ringer's solution and isotonic sodium chloride solution. In addition, sterile, fixed oils are conventionally employed as a solvent or suspending medium. For this purpose any bland fixed oil may be employed including synthetic mono- or diglycerides. In addition, fatty acids such as oleic acid find use in the preparation of injectables.

(61) According to an embodiment, the cells are isolated using methods known in the art for their preparation. For example, the cells may be isolated from donors using mixtures of enzymes such as Collagenase I and Collagenase II, Thermolysin, non-clostridial neutral protease, or other enzymes being used for such purpose. The isolated cells may then be cultured under normal tissue culture conditions in standard tissue culture flasks.

(62) According to an embodiment, the neurosensory precursor cells may be treated with a gem-difluorinated C-glycopeptide compound of general formula I—preferably, the compound of Formula II, and most preferably the compound of formula III in concentrations varying from about 0.01 mg/ml to about 5 mg/ml; or from about 0.1 mg/ml to about 5 mg/ml; or from about 0.5 mg/ml to about 5 mg/ml; or from about 1 mg/ml to about 5 mg/ml; or from about 3 mg/ml to about 5 mg/ml; or from about 0.01 mg/ml to about 3 mg/ml, or from about 0.1 mg/ml to about 3 mg/ml, or from about 0.5 mg/ml to about 3 mg/ml, or from about 1 mg/ml to about 3 mg/ml, or from about 0.01 mg/ml to about 1 mg/ml; or from about 0.1 mg/ml to about 1 mg/ml; or from about 0.5 mg/ml to about 1 mg/ml; or from about 0.01 mg/ml to about 0.5 mg/ml; or from about 0.1 mg/ml to about 0.5 mg/ml; or from about 0.01 mg/ml to about 0.1 mg/ml; or about 3 mg/ml. According to embodiments, the amounts above are considered to be therapeutically effective amounts for the purpose of the present inventions.

(63) According to another embodiment, the cells are contacted with the gem-difluorinated C-glycopeptide compound for a time sufficient to effect improvements on cell viability and survival rate. According to embodiments, the time sufficient may be from about 12 hours to 120 hours, or from about 12 hours to about 96 hours, or from about 12 hours to about 72 hours, or from about 12 hours to about 48 hours, or from about 12 hours to about 24 hours, or about 120 hours, or about 96 hours, or about 72 hours, or about 48 hours, or about 24 hours, or about 12 hours, or about 10 hours, or about 8 hours, or about 6 hours, or about 4 hours, or about 2 hours, or about 1 hour. In embodiments, the wherein the isolated neurosensory precursor cell is contacted with the compound for 1 hour, 55 mins, 50 mins, 45 mins, 40 mins, 35 mins, 30 mins, 25 mins, 20 mins, 15 mins, 10 mins, 5 mins, 4 mins, 3 mins, 2 mins, 1 mins, 45 secs, or 30 secs, or at least 1 hour, or at least 55 mins, or at least 50 mins, or at least 45 mins, or at least 40 mins, or at least 35 mins, or at least 30 mins, or at least 25 mins, or at least 20 mins, or at least 15 mins, or at least 10 mins, or at least 5 mins, or at least 4 mins, or at least 3 mins, or at least 2 mins, or at least 1 mins, or at least 45 secs, or at least 30 secs.

(64) In another embodiment there is disclosed a cell preparation prepared according to the method of the present invention, in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. According to an embodiment, the cell preparation may be used for the preparation of a medicament for a cell transplantation. According to another embodiment, the cell preparation may be used for a cell transplantation.

(65) In another embodiment, there is disclosed a method of transplantation comprising transplanting a cell preparation of the present invention to a subject in need thereof. The subject may be a mammal, and preferably a human.

(66) The present invention will be more readily understood by referring to the following examples which are given to illustrate the invention rather than to limit its scope.

EXAMPLE 1

(67) To identify the key factors that inhibit NPC integration into diseased tissue, an ex vivo tissue culture system has been developed to enable the identification of factors that reduce and factors that enhance cell survival and functional integration (Yanai et al., 2015). The ex vivo system mimics the subretinal space in a regulated environment that includes a neurosensory retinal explant placed on top of human embryonic stem cells (hESC) derived retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). NPCs (such as human photoreceptor precursor cells; PPCs, Yanai et al., 2013) can then be placed within the model in a more controlled environment. Thus the role of adverse factors such as nutritional deficits and toxic metabolites can be studied in isolation from other hostile effects such as surgical trauma and immune rejection. It is hypothesized that toxic metabolites, such as PGE2, are major adverse factors during tissue transplantation in necrotic neurodegeneration of the retina. Furthermore, AAGP™ is selected as a potential protective agent, and its ability to prevent PGE2 toxic effects is examined. AAGP™ is a small, stable, synthetic analog of anti-freeze protein (AFP) which has been shown to protect cells for example, against exposure to extreme temperatures and ultraviolet irradiation (US Patent publication No. US20090311203).

(68) Now referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, within the ex vivo system, rat neurosensory retinal explants are incubated upon human embryonic stem cells (hESC) derived retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Neurosensory retina was obtained from the S334ter-4 model of retinal degeneration (Chen et al, 1995) and cultured within the system for 10 days (for detailed experimental design see Yanai et al., 2015). Rodent retinal tissue collection was carried out with approval of the Animal Care Committee at the University of British Columbia and in accordance with the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology Statement for the Use of Animals in Ophthalmic and Vision Research. Throughout the present study, AAGP™ was used at 4 mg/ml, after it was confirmed it was not toxic to PPCs at this concentration (unpublished data).

(69) Firstly, the amount of PGE2 produced is determined within the ex vivo system under normal culture conditions and after media is supplemented with 4 mg/ml AAGP for the first 24 hours of co-culture. Three equal-sized retinal quadrants, measuring ˜10 mm.sup.2 each, and are analyzed for each condition. Explant media are collected at the end of 10 days and assessed for concentration of PGE2 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA; R&D Systems). PGE2 induced reduction in metabolic activity, contributing to cell death, is assessed in PPCs cultured in isolation using a Thiazolyl Blue Tetrazolium Bromide (MTT) assay (Sigma).

(70) To determine whether AAGP™ inhibits COX-2 expression, ARPE-19 cells (Dunn et al., 1996) are treated with 17 ng/ml Interleukin 1β (IL-1β; Sigma; Lukiw et al., 2006) for 8 hours and then added 5 mM ATP for 1 hour to further induce cell stress (Sigma; Mehta et al., 2001). ARPE-19 is a human retinal pigment epithelia (RPE) cell line spontaneously arising from a primary culture of RPE cells from a male donor. These cells have many morphological and some functional similarities with authentic RPE. Experiments are conducted either in the presence or absence of 4 mg/ml AAGP™. COX-2 expression is assessed using Reverse Transcription Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR) with the TaqMan® primer/probe system, Fast Advanced Master Mix and the ViiA™ 7 Real Time PCR system (Applied Biosystems).

(71) To determine whether AAGP™ improves PPC survival in the ex vivo system, PPC cell viability is assessed with and without pre-treating cell grafts with AAGP™ for 24 hours prior to inclusion within the ex vivo system. PPCs are labelled with 20 μM CellTrace™ Far Red DDAO-SE (Life Technologies). DDAO-SE is a fixable, far-red fluorescent tracer for long-term cell labeling. The tracer is colorless and non-fluorescent until its acetate groups are cleaved by intracellular esterases to yield highly fluorescent products. DDAO-SE forms a strong covalent attachment to primary amines on proteins and other biomolecules and is therefore not likely to transfer to other types of cells in the co-culture. In each experiment (n=4), between 2 and 4 retinal explants are used for each condition (‘technical repeats’). About 350,000 labeled PPCs are used in each technical repeat. After 10 days, the components of the co-culture system are enzymatically dissociated into single cell suspensions and the number of viable PPCs is assessed by Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting (FACS; Influx Sorter; BD Biosciences).

(72) For statistical analyses an unpaired Student's t-test is performed. P values of less than 0.05 are considered significant.

(73) The results demonstrate that following 10 days of co-culture, the explant medium contained ˜20 pg/ml of PGE2, and when AAGP™ is present for the first day, the amount of PGE2 decreased to ˜7.5 pg/ml (n=3; p<0.05; FIG. 2A).

(74) A plausible reason for the reduced level of PGE2 in the presence of AAGP™ is that COX-2 levels are downregulated by this compound. COX-2 is induced by inflammatory stimuli and its expression is likely chronic in the explant system, making it difficult to detect small changes in expression levels. Therefore, COX-2 expression is assessed in cultured cells, responding to an acute stress, where the effect is maximized. COX-2 downregulation is confirmed in an ARPE-19 cell stress assay using IL-1β followed by ATP. COX-2 expression is evident in stressed cells but this expression declined by at least 13.3±4.5 fold, to negligible levels, in the presence of AAGP™ (n=4; FIG. 2B). To examine whether PGE2 is toxic to cells, PPCs are cultured for 48 hours in retinal differentiation medium supplemented with increasing amounts of PGE2 (up to 50 μM) and analyzed cells survival by the MTT assay (n=4). Cell survival is reduced by up to 44% (FIG. 2C), confirming PGE2 toxicity.

(75) Finally, the viability of PPCs in the ex vivo system is tested. Untreated PPCs or PPCs pre-treated for 24 hours with 4 mg/ml AAGP™ are labelled with a fluorescent live cell tracer and ˜350,000 PPCs are placed in-between the explant and RPE. Ten days later, the co-cultured components were dissociated into single cells and viable PPCs (labeled red) were separated by Fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS, FIG. 3). The proportion of live cells remaining after 10 days of co-culture is calculated. An almost 3-fold increase in average cell viability is obtained when PPCs are pre-treated with AAGP™ for 24 hours before “transplantation” (49% vs. 18%; p<0.05).

(76) Altogether the results presented in this study indicate that NPCs, such as PPCs, transplanted into neurological tissue may, in part, die as a result from exposure to PGE2 released from host necrotic tissue, such necrosis is a cause of retinal degenerations such as retinal detachment. Targeting toxic by-products such as PGE2 therefore appears to surprisingly and unexpectedly be a valid option to improve survival of transplanted precursor cells. The data presented here suggests that AAGP™ may have a role in inhibiting PGE2 production in necrotic tissue ex vivo.

(77) The ex vivo system presented herein appears to be an appropriate screening method to identify valid therapeutics to move into more labor intensive in vivo studies. These results also suggest that other inhibitors of COX2, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, may likewise enhance survival of transplanted NPCs during cell transplantation experiments.

(78) While preferred embodiments have been described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that modifications may be made without departing from this disclosure. Such modifications are considered as possible variants comprised in the scope of the disclosure.

REFERENCES

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