Three-Dimensional mucosal cell and tissue culture system
First Claim
1. A three-dimensional mucosal cell culture comprising mucosal epithelial cells cultured on a living stromal tissue prepared in vitro, said living stromal tissue comprising stromal cells and connective tissue proteins naturally secreted by the stromal cells attached to and substantially enveloping a framework composed of a biocompatible, non-living material formed into a three-dimensional structure having interstitial spaces bridged by the stromal cells.
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Abstract
The present invention relates to a three-dimensional cell culture system which can be used to culture a variety of different cells and tissues in vitro for prolonged periods of time. In accordance with the invention, cells derived from a desired tissue are inoculated and grown on a pre-established stromal support matrix. The stromal support matrix comprises stromal cells, such as fibroblasts actively growing on a three-dimensional matrix. Stromal cells may also include other cells found in loose connective tissue such as endothelial cells, macrophages/monocytes, adipocytes, pericytes, reticular cells found in bone marrow stroma, etc. The stromal matrix provides the support, growth factors, and regulatory factors necessary to sustain long-term active proliferation of cells in culture. When grown in this three-dimensional system, the proliferating cells mature and segregate properly to form components of adult tissues analogous to counterparts found in vivo.
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Citations
53 Claims
- 1. A three-dimensional mucosal cell culture comprising mucosal epithelial cells cultured on a living stromal tissue prepared in vitro, said living stromal tissue comprising stromal cells and connective tissue proteins naturally secreted by the stromal cells attached to and substantially enveloping a framework composed of a biocompatible, non-living material formed into a three-dimensional structure having interstitial spaces bridged by the stromal cells.
- 11. A method for culturing mucosal cells in vitro, comprising culturing mucosal epithelial cells inoculated onto a living stromal tissue prepared in vitro, said living stromal tissue comprising stromal cells and connective tissue proteins naturally secreted by the stromal cells attached to and substantially enveloping a framework composed of a biocompatible, non-living material formed into a three-dimensional structure having interstitial spaces bridged by the stromal cells.
- 21. A method for transplantation or implantation of mucosal cells which comprises implanting in vivo mucosal epithelial cells cultured on a living stromal tissue prepared in vitro, said living stromal tissue comprising stromal cells and connective tissue proteins naturally secreted by the stromal cells attached to and substantially enveloping a framework composed of a biocompatible, non-living material formed into a three-dimensional structure having interstitial spaces bridged by the stromal cells so that a tissue equivalent is formed.
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31. A method for determining the effect of a drug on mucosal epithelial cells in culture comprising:
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(a) exposing a three-dimensional mucosal cell culture to the drug, in which the three-dimensional cell culture comprises mucosal epithelium cells grown on a living stromal tissue prepared in vitro, said living stromal tissue comprising stromal cells and connective tissue proteins naturally secreted by the stromal cells attached to and substantially enveloping a framework composed of a biocompatible, non-living material formed into a three-dimensional structure having interstitial spaces bridged by the stromal cells; and (b) determining the effect of the drug on the mucosal epithelial cells in culture. - View Dependent Claims (32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43)
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44. A method for studying the mechanism of a disease or condition in a patient, which disease or condition has a detectable effect on mucosal epithelial cells in culture, comprising:
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(a) inoculating mucosal epithelium cells obtained from the patient onto a living stromal tissue prepared in vitro, said living stromal tissue comprising stromal cells and connective tissue proteins naturally secreted by the stromal cells attached to and substantially enveloping a framework composed of a biocompatible, non-living material formed into a three-dimensional structure having interstitial spaces bridged by the stromal cells; (b) culturing the inoculated living stromal tissue in a nutrient medium so that the inoculated mucosal epithelial cells proliferate in culture; and (c) analyzing the proliferated cells in culture for markers of the disease or condition. - View Dependent Claims (45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53)
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Specification