WP6 - Identification of Novel Antibodies to MSC-enriched surface proteins

As discussed above (Workpackage 3), reproducibility and quality are critical for the safe application of MSC in therapeutic clinical trials. At this time no single marker or unique combination of markers has been identified that distinguishes a pure, native MSC population from other cell types within the in vivo MSC niche. Such a marker or combination of markers will permit the safe and reproducible isolation of native MSC directly from the bone marrow, potentially enhancing current MSC yields and therapeutic efficacy in clinical applications.

Workpackage 6 is using a novel combination of transcriptional and biochemical approaches to identify much needed antigens against MSC-enriched surface proteins. Using these approaches, we have provisionally identified ~20 proteins that are enriched in the MSC-receptome and distinguish MSC from other cell types within the human MSC niche. As we move forward and confirm the specificity of these proteins, positive antigen ‘hits' will be passed to PurStem partner SME, Ovagen, for the production of germ-free antibodies for use in the GMP-grade isolation of human MSC for clinical applications (Workpackages 7 & 8).