EXPANSION OF STEM CELLS IN LONG TERM BONE MARROW CULTURES BY NEUTRALIZATION OF TGF- beta

摘要

A method for expanding growth of hematopoietic stem cells in culture includes a step of admixing to the culture a TGF- beta antagonist such as a soluble TGF- beta receptor or a TGF- beta -neutralizing antibody. Also, treating an animal includes steps of admixing a TGF- beta antagonist to a culture of bone marrow cells to stimulate production of hematopoietic stem cells in the culture, and thereafter administering hematopoietic cells so produced to the animal. Also, a method for treating an animal includes steps of administering a TGF- beta antagonist to the animal.