Isolation of Human Hematopoietic Stem Cells

We aim to produce and characterize polyclonal antisera to the newly discovered 9804 antigenfor assessing the potential value of this molecule in isolating human hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) .Important for this characterization is an understanding of the gene (or gene family) that encodes the9804 protein; therefore, the project also seeks to define the nature of the 9804 cDNA in human bonemarrow tissue. This work will use existing and recently developed immunological techniques, in additionto standard molecular biological techniques, to meet the project goals. The long term objective is toenhance current HSC isolation procedures through the provision of monoclonal antibodies thatexclusively recognize cells capable of long term reconstitution of the hematopoietic system. The useof bone marrow transplant for the treatment of the malignant diseases is demonstrated in certain clinicalsituations; however, the paucity of stem cell exclusive reagent limits the use of therapeutic proceduresthat require or would benefit from these cell populations.