Multicolour fluorochrome reagents have spurred researchers’ capacity to analyze cell populations and to isolate cell subsets by flow cytometry. In this post, let’s take at look at the advantages of 5 optimized combinations of mixed fluorochromes you should consider for your next immunophenotyping assays by multicolour flow cytometry.
“Extraordinary” CAR T Cells eliminate cancer after stem cell transplant
Donor-derived lymphocytes attack a patient’s cancer — but may attack the patient as well. Donor chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, on the other hand, brought remissions without this troubling complication.
CAR T cells continue to make waves: At the latest annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, it was announced that CAR T cells, in which T cells from a patient are genetically reprogrammed to target cancer cells, removed all traces of cancer in the bone marrow of 27 out of 29 acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients. Nineteen of 30 individuals with non-Hodgkin lymphoma also responded in the form of partial or complete responses. The cumulative successes found in CAR T cell studies have labeled them “extraordinary.”[1] [Read more…]
Cryopreserved Leukopaks: a solution for Cell Therapy Logistics
Human cells are critical raw materials for research and manufacturing of cell therapy products. However, access to freshly procured cells can be limited, creating a crucial need for a suitable alternative to fresh cells that are viable and functional — especially when transporting materials globally.
At tebu-bio, we chose HemaCare to investigate the viability and functionality of lymphocytes, both fresh and cryopreserved, from leukopaks (leukapheresis collections) procured within their FDA registered cGMP donor collection facility. [Read more…]
New drug for Sickle Cell Disease targets Leukocytes
Leukocytes adhere to blood vessels as a mechanism to enter tissue where there is inflammation. Inadvertently, they pile up sickle cell red blood cells.
Mutations in the hemoglobin gene can render a person to a lifetime of sickle cell disease (SCD). While otherwise healthy individuals with one allele (gene copy) of the sickle hemoglobin (HbS) gene are carriers, the disease is seen in those with two HbS alleles – one inherited from each carrier parent. A single HbS allele can also cause SCD in a person who inherits other defects in the second hemoglobin allele.
PBMCs & drug development
Use of human samples including peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in drug discovery is critical for increasing the chances of success for a small molecule screen hit. A review based on recent published data!
Several theories try to explain why many drug discovery and development projects have a moderate success rate. Even with the advances made in methods (HTS, HCA, library managment, etc), there are many hurdles for a small molecule on the long road to FDA or EMA approval.
One way that may improve predicted efficacy and toxicity of drug leads is to use human samples, such as blood, early on in drug discovery programs. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) can be easily used in a variety of ways during the drug discovery process to gain a better understanding of the effects of a small molecule. [Read more…]
5 most popular Cell Sourcing blog posts in 2014!
Today, I’d like to invite you to take a look at the 5 blogs that saw the most visits on our blog in 2014, in the field of Cell Sourcing & Cell Culture.
#1 – 6 good reasons (in short!) to use our blood derived cells!
At the end of 2014, we signed a distribution agreement with HemaCare, a world-leader of blood-derived cells. We took a look at just a few of the many benefits for European researchers.
#2 – How to get rid of fibroblastic and contaminating cells?
Very often primary cell cultures are jeopardized by the outgrowth of contaminating fibroblasts. The population of the target primary cells is directly affected, since fibroblasts usually grow at much faster rates than other cell types. So what are the solutions? Just read this blog!
#3 – Primary cell sourcing: Cryopreserved Human Adult Sebocytes
Sebocytes are emerging cellular models to study skin biology but also to design new compounds to regulate acne, seborrhoea and other sebaceous gland-related diseases. Easy access to cryopreserved and well-qualified sources of Human Adult Sebocytes will boost skin research and compound testing projects.
#4 – Tips for Optimizing Cell Culture Conditions with Hydrogels
In order to engineer a custom culture system with HyStem, simple pilot studies or optimization assays can be tested to determine the appropriate parameters for each experiment. Tips and guidelines for optimizing basic variables that can have a significant impact on the hydrogel properties and overall cell culture conditions are covered in this blog.
#5 – Struggling with tissue dissociation?
Successful culture of primary cells requires obtaining a maximum yield of functionally viable single cells from whole tissues… but this is easier to say than to achieve! Here are some solutions!
Stay tuned in 2015 for more topics, not only in the field of Cell Sourcing and Cell Culture, but many others!
Wealth of information in PBMC to predict therapeutic drug outcome
Single nucleotide polymorphism can alter liver enzyme interactions with drugs. PBMC samples provide genetic information predicting drug interaction outcome. Blood sampling is easy and a relatively painless means of obtaining myriads of information about one’s physiology. In the serum component of blood we have numerous tests for antibodies, other proteins, and metabolites that can tell tales about several internal organs. Then there is the peripheral blood mononuclear cell or PBMC component which can be used to unravel other mysteries.
6 good reasons (in short!) to use our blood derived cells!
tebu-bio signed recently a distribution agreement with HemaCare Corp. Built on a 36-year history in apheresis collection, HemaCare is a leader in cell and tissue collection and processing, providing high-quality biological material derived from normal and mobilized peripheral blood, bone marrow and cord blood that meets the unique needs of researchers, to ensure the quality research outcome they expect.
By signing this agreement with HemaCare, tebu-bio again broadens your sourcing possibilities. I am proud to say that, more than ever, our commitment to source the cell type that fits your needs is true. Really, I might hear you say? Yes, really! Let me explain why our offer is different from others. [Read more…]