WNT4 in supporting lymphopoiesis
OwnerClaude Perreaultinventor
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Abstract
The T lineage differentiative potential of lymphoid progenitor cells in the lymph nodes is thwarted by the absence of Wnt signaling, resulting in blockade of the DN1→DN2 transition with accumulation of pre-DN2 cells. Wnt4 transcripts are deficient in the lymph nodes relative to the thymus. When cultured with stromal cells expressing thymus-like amounts of Wnt4 transcripts, lymphoid progenitor cells expand vigorously and generate single-positive T cells. Wnt4 can be used to promote the differentiation of lymphoid progenitors into cells such as T lymphocytes.
Claims12
Media for supporting lymphopoiesis in culture, the media comprising Wnt4 protein at a level which is at least equivalent to that found naturally in the thymus.
A culture comprising Wnt4-expressor cells, and lymphoid progenitor cells, and/or T lymphocytes, wherein the culture comprises Wnt4 protein at a level which is at least equivalent to that found naturally in the thymus.
A method for obtaining T lymphocytes from lymphoid progenitor cells, the method comprising the step of providing Wnt4 protein to the lymphoid progenitor cells in culture at a level which is at least equivalent to that found naturally in the thymus.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.