Cell Types
MSC cells
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are self-renewing, multipotent adult stem cells that can be isolated from various connective tissues throughout the body, including bone marrow, adipose tissue, human umbilical cord, cord blood, and peripheral blood. These progenitor cells possess the capability to differentiate into various cell types, such as osteocytes, adipocytes, and chondrocytes, in vitro when exposed to specific factors.
iPSC cells
Human somatic cells can be genetically reprogrammed to become embryonic stem cell-like by introducing combinations of genes typically expressed during early embryogenesis. The technology was developed by Shinya Yamanaka, who won the Nobel Prize in 2012 for this groundbreaking work, especially in implementation of Yamanaka factors (the OCT4, SOX2, KLF4, and MYC genes ) is necessary to convert cells from post-natal tissues into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC). iPSCs are pluripotent and they can differentiate into any cell type in the body, making them incredibly versatile for research and potential therapies.
HSPC cells
Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) constitute a minor fraction of the hematopoietic system. Despite their limited numbers, these cells are invaluable due to their capacity to differentiate into all mature blood and immune cell types, thereby sustaining lifelong hematopoiesis. Additionally, the hematopoietic system includes short-term repopulating progenitor cells, which generate lineage-specific cell types. This system encompasses both multipotent progenitor cells and more differentiated progenitor cells of individual blood cell lineages.
Car-T cells
Chimeric Antigen Receptor T cells (CAR-T cells) represent a form of immunotherapy wherein a patient’s T cells, a subset of white blood cells,
are genetically engineered to enhance their ability to identify and destroy target cells. This process involves the insertion of a gene encoding a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) into the T cells, thereby augmenting their capacity for specific immune cell-mediated cytotoxicity. This therapeutic approach has demonstrated significant efficacy in the treatment of certain hematologic malignancies, including leukemia and lymphoma.
NK cells
Natural Killer (NK) cells are lymphocytes integral to the immune system, playing a pivotal role in host defense and immune regulation within the innate immune response. These cells constitute the body’s first line of defense, crucially identifying and eliminating infected or malignant cells without prior sensitization to specific antigens. NK cells are distinguished by their capacity to recognize stressed cells independently of antibodies and major histocompatibility complex (MHC), facilitating a swift immune response. They are of significant interest to immunotherapy researchers due to their potential to selectively target and eradicate cancer cells and tumors while sparing healthy cells.