Creating Monocytes and Macrophages from Human Embryonic Stem Cells
Author Information
Author(s): Karlsson Karl R., Cowley Sally, Martinez Fernando O., Shaw Michael, Minger Stephen L., James William
Primary Institution: Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford
Hypothesis
To develop a simple and efficient method for producing homogeneous populations of monocytes and macrophages from human embryonic stem cells (hES).
Conclusion
The study successfully developed a method to produce homogeneous populations of monocytes and macrophages from hES cells, which can differentiate into functional macrophages.
Supporting Evidence
- esMCs were produced after an average of 18.7 days and had a purity of over 90%.
- esMCs expressed markers characteristic of monocytes and could differentiate into functional macrophages.
- esMDMs produced significant levels of cytokines in response to bacterial stimulation.
Takeaway
Scientists figured out how to make a lot of similar immune cells from special stem cells, which can help us learn more about how these cells work.
Methodology
Human embryonic stem cell lines were differentiated into monocytes using a three-step method involving embryoid body formation, directed differentiation with growth factors, and harvesting nonadherent monocytes.
Limitations
The study may not fully represent the complexity of human monocyte and macrophage biology in vivo.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website