Fetal liver CD34 contain human immune and endothelial progenitors and mediate solid tumor rejection in NOG mice.

Background: Transplantation of CD34 hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC) into immunodeficient mice is an established method to generate humanized mice harbouring a human immune system. Different sources and methods for CD34 isolation have been employed by various research groups, resulting in customized models that are difficult to compare. A more detailed characterization of CD34 isolates is needed for a better understanding of engraftable hematopoietic and potentially non-hematopoietic cells.

Sub-Retinal Delivery of Human Embryonic Stem Cell Derived Photoreceptor Progenitors in rd10 Mice.

Regeneration of photoreceptor cells using human pluripotent stem cells is a promising therapy for the treatment of both hereditary and aging retinal diseases at advanced stages. We have shown human recombinant retina-specific laminin isoform matrix is able to support the differentiation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) to photoreceptor progenitors. In addition, sub-retinal injection of these cells has also shown partial restoration in the rd10 rodent and rabbit models.

Microbial exposure during early human development primes fetal immune cells.

The human fetal immune system begins to develop early during gestation; however, factors responsible for fetal immune-priming remain elusive. We explored potential exposure to microbial agents in utero and their contribution toward activation of memory T cells in fetal tissues. We profiled microbes across fetal organs using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and detected low but consistent microbial signal in fetal gut, skin, placenta, and lungs in the 2 trimester of gestation.

Single-Cell RNA-seq Reveals Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 and Transmembrane Serine Protease 2 Expression in TROP2 Liver Progenitor Cells: Implications in Coronavirus Disease 2019-Associated Liver Dysfunction.

The recent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. COVID-19 was first reported in China (December 2019) and is now prevalent across the globe. Entry of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 into mammalian cells requires the binding of viral Spike (S) proteins to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor.