METHODS, COMPOSITIONS AND DEVICES FOR MAINTAINING AND GROWING HUMAN STEM AND/OR HEMATOPOIETIC CELLS

摘要

Methods, compositions and devices are provided for the growth of human stem and/or hematopoietic cells in culture. Bioreactors (106) are provided in which diverse cell types are simultaneously-cultured in the presence of appropriate levels of nutrients and growth factors substantially continuously maintained in the bioreactor (106) while removing undesirable metabolic products. This simultaneous culture of multiple cell types successfully reconstructs hematopoietic tissue ex vivo. Optionally, at least one growth factor is provided through excretion by transfected stromal cells, particularly heterologous cells. Means are provided for maintaining the stromal cells (112) and hematopoietic cells (110) separately, and to allow for harvesting of both the adherent (110, 112) and non-adherent cells (114).