title: Derivation of a xeno-free human embryonic stem cell line.
abstract: Elimination of all animal material during both the derivation and long-term culture of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) is necessary prior to future application of hESCs in clinical cell therapy. The potential consequences of transplanting xeno-contaminated hESCs into patients, such as an increased risk of graft rejection [Stem Cells 2006; 24:221-229] and the potential transfer of nonhuman pathogens, make existing hESC lines unsuitable for clinical applications. To avoid xeno-contamination during derivation and culture of hESCs, we first developed a xeno-free medium supplemented with human serum, which supports long-term (>50 passages) culture of hESCs in an undifferentiated state. To enable derivation of new xeno-free hESCs, we also established xeno-free human foreskin fibroblast feeders and replaced immunosurgery, which involves the use of guinea pig complement, with a modified animal-product-free derivation procedure. Here, we report the establishment and characterization (>20 passages) of a xeno-free pluripotent diploid normal hESC line, SA611.
authors.affiliation: Cellartis AB, Göteborg, Sweden.
authors.forename: Catharina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ellerström
authors.forename: Raimund
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Strehl
authors.forename: Karina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Moya
authors.forename: Katarina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Andersson
authors.forename: Christina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bergh
authors.forename: Kersti
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Lundin
authors.forename: Johan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hyllner
authors.forename: Henrik
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Semb
mesh_terms: D018929:Cell Culture Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002460:Cell Line; D015925:Cryopreservation / Q000379:methods; D003470:Culture Media / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D053595:Embryonic Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry
chemical_list: D003470:Culture Media