Use of pigmented retinal epithelial cells for creation of an immune privilege site
The present invention relates to a novel in vivo method for creation of a localized immunosuppressive environment in tissue. The method involves the transplanting of pigmented retinal epithelial cells into a mammal thereby producing a localized immunosuppressive environment. The transplanted pigmented retinal epithelial cells may also be used to produce therapeutic proteins or other biologically active molecules that may be useful in treatment of diseases.
1 - 24 . (canceled)
25 . A pharmaceutical composition comprising retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, a non-RPE cell population, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein said non-RPE cell population comprises insulin-producing β cells.
26 . The composition of claim 25 wherein said insulin-producing β cells are pancreatic islet of Langerhans cells.
27 . A compartmentalized kit adapted to receive a first container adapted to contain retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells and a second container adapted to contain a non-RPE cell population, wherein the non-RPE cell population comprises insulin-producing β cells.
28 . The compartmentalized kit according to claim 27 wherein the insulin-producing β cells are pancreatic islet of Langerhans cells.
29 . The composition of claim 25 wherein said RPE cells are attached to a matrix.
30 . The composition of claim 25 wherein cells of said non-RPE cell population are attached to a matrix.
31 . An article of manufacture, comprising:
a packaging material;
retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells containing within said packaging material;
a non-RPE cell population contained within said packaging material, wherein the non-RPE cell population comprises insulin-producing β cells; and
wherein said packaging material contains a label that indicates that said RPE cells can be used for facilitating survival of an allogeneic graft of the non-RPE cell population in a mammal.
32 . The article of manufacture according to claim 31 , wherein the insulin-producing β cells are pancreatic islet of Langerhans cells.