Method of pre-inducing a state of immune tolerance before organ transplantation
US6923959B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 2, 2002 |
| Grant date | Aug 2, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 16, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC12N2510/02
- WIPO fieldPharmaceuticals
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Methods and compositions are described for the treatment of type I insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and other conditions using newly identified stem cells that are capable of differentiation into a variety of pancreatic islet cells, including insulin-producing beta cells, as well as hepatocytes. Nestin has been identified as a molecular marker for pancreatic stem cells, while cytokeratin-19 serves as a marker for a distinct class of islet ductal cells. Methods are described whereby nestin-positive stem cells can be isolated from pancreatic islets and cultured to obtain further stem cells or pseudo-islet like structures. Methods for ex vivo differentiation of the pancreatic stem cells are disclosed. Methods are described whereby pancreatic stem cells can be isolated, expanded, and transplanted into a patient in need thereof, either allogeneically, isogeneically or xenogenically, to provide replacement for lost or damaged insulin-secreting cells or other cells.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.