Methods and compositions for cell transplantation

Inventors

Cui, Wanxing

Assignees

Georgetown University

Abstract

Methods of transplanting target cells into a subject in need thereof. The methods generally comprise creating a sealed transplantation space by attaching an acellular membrane to the surface of a visceral organ or tissue in the subject in a manner such that a sealed space is created between the surface of the visceral organ or tissue and the membrane, and inserting a mixture of support cells and the target cells into the sealed transplantation space.

Core Innovation

The disclosure describes methods and compositions for transplanting target cells into a subject by attaching an acellular membrane to the surface of a visceral organ to create a sealed transplantation space between the visceral organ surface and the membrane. A mixture of support cells and the target cells is then inserted into the sealed transplantation space. The visceral organ is described as a visceral organ or tissue, and the acellular membrane is described as an acellular membrane that can be decellularized.

The support cells include amniotic epithelial cells, and support cell populations with anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, angiogenic, differentiation-promoting, and stem-cell related properties are described. Target cells include beta islet cells and other enumerated cell types, and transplanting is described in the context of xeno-, allo-, or auto-grafts. The membrane attachment is described as being performed in a manner that creates a sealed space, including non-specific bond, adhesive/tissue glue, and stitching modalities.

The disclosure also describes increasing glucose tolerance in a subject by creating the sealed transplantation space using the acellular membrane attached to a visceral organ and inserting a mixture of support cells and target cells comprising beta islet cells. Documented embodiments emphasize liver islet transplantation, where a decellularized amniotic membrane is attached to a liver surface, and the support cells include human amniotic epithelial cells. The described outcomes include restoration of non-fasting blood glucose and confirmed islet grafts, with facilitated or sustained angiogenesis, including blood vessel formation.

Claims Coverage

Two independent claims are identified: one covering a general method of transplanting target cells using an acellular membrane to form a sealed transplantation space and inserting a mixture of support cells and target cells; and a second covering a method for increasing glucose tolerance using the same sealed-space approach, where the target cells comprise beta islet cells.

Across the independent claims, the core claimed inventive concept is the formation of a sealed transplantation space by attaching an acellular membrane to the surface of a visceral organ, followed by insertion of a mixture of support cells and target cells, with glucose tolerance enhancement specifically requiring target cells comprising beta islet cells.

Stated Advantages

Documented Applications