However, in combination

with CCR7 downregulation, CXCR5 expression enables the TFH cells to migrate into B-cell follicles in a CXCL13-dependent manner. This process assists the antigen-specific B cells to mount a GC response and to promote the selection of B cells expressing high-affinity antibodies in the GC environment [2, 35, 36]. Neither IgG1+ Ibrutinib solubility dmso memory B cells nor GC B cells are generated in CD40-deficient mice after immunization with a TD antigen, NP-chicken gamma globulin (CGG), or in wild type mice immunized with a T-cell independent (TI) antigen, NP-Ficoll [2]. These results indicate that the development of both GC-dependent and -independent IgG1+ memory B cells requires classical T-cell help. B cells also receive innate nonclassical help from natural killer T (NKT) cells [38], although both GC-dependent and -independent memory B cells develop normally in mice lacking NKT cells [2]. However, GC-dependent and -independent memory B cells are distinct with respect to their dependence on TFH help for their generation and maintenance. We showed in a recent study that the loss of TFH

cells caused by T-cell specific deletion of Bcl6 resulted in complete absence of GCs for at least 40 days [2]. However, total numbers of memory B cells were reduced only about twofold in the absence of TFH cells. This reduction resulted predominantly from the loss of mutated NVP-AUY922 price high-affinity memory B cells, consistent with the notion that

the generation of these cells significantly relies on TFH cells. Significantly, unmutated memory B cells still developed upon conditional deletion of Bcl6 in both either B and or T cells, demonstrating the existence of a TD memory B-cell developmental pathway independent of GCs and TFH cells. Whether naïve B cells are intrinsically programed for recruitment into either the GC-independent or GC-dependent pathway, or can enter either pathway depending on signals received upon activation, remains to be explored. Clearly, both pathways require TD antigenic ifoxetine stimulation. However, the processes following initial B-cell activation are dynamic and involve sequential cellular interactions of different duration [39], which would provide ample opportunities for activated B cells to branch out into alternate differentiation pathways. As discussed above, the polarization of antigen-specific CD4+ T cells into effector Th-cell populations is completed within 3 days during the DC priming period [12]. Based on our study, antigen-binding IgG1+ B cells with a memory B-cell gene expression signature appear at around day 3 after immunization [2].

Moreover, our results show an increase in TNF-α expression in response to LPS plus gal-9. It is important to note that the doses employed in this study are very low (< 1 μM) and higher doses of galectins could be necessary to down-modulate cytokine expression. In addition, in-vitro gal-9 has shown to induce human monocyte-derived DCs activation [44] as well as

TNF-α production [45]. While animal models are extremely useful tools for investigating the role of molecules in the immunopathogenesis of inflammatory diseases, in many situations functions described in animals cannot be extrapolated to humans. Studies of immune parameters in asthma patients are, however, hampered by the restricted availability of lung tissue or bronchoalveolar samples because of the risks and contraindications to obtaining these samples. Sputum induction is thus a valuable, non-invasive MEK inhibitor means of obtaining viable cells from the lower airway for evaluation of airway inflammation.

Using this method to obtain airway cells, we have detected defective expression of gal-1 and gal-9 in asthma patients. The balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory signals determines the final outcome of the immune response, and the low levels of the negative regulators as gal-1 and gal-9 in BIBW2992 concentration human asthma may contribute to the inflammatory response present in this disease. We thank the asthmatic patients and healthy subjects for their participation in this study and S. Bartlett for English editing of the manuscript. Supported in part by EU–Mexico FONCICYT-C002-2009-1 ALA/127249, SAF-2008–02635 and SAF-2011–25834 from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, INDISNET (Redes Moleculares y Celulares en Enfermedades Inflamatorias)

S2011/BMD-2332, MEICA (Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms in Chronic Inflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases, Genoma España) and SEPAR (Sociedad Española de Patología Respiratoria). Authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest. Fig. S1. Immunophenotype of induced sputum cells. Single-cell suspensions were prepared from sputum samples and stained with anti-CD45, anti-CD16 and anti-CD3 or anti-CD14. Vital dye 7-aminoactinomycin D (7-AAD) was Benzatropine used to exclude dead cells. Representative flow histogram of an asthmatic patient is shown. Numbers inside dot-plots indicate the percentage of each subpopulation. Fig. S2. Effect of galectins (gal) on cytokine expression. (a–c). Effect of gal-3 on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced interleukin (IL)-12A (a) and of gal-9 on LPS-induced IL-12B and TNF-α (b,c) expression on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from healthy subjects. PBMC (5 × 105) were incubated on p24 plates with 100 ng/μl LPS in the presence or not of gal-3 or gal-9 (10 μg/ml). After 24 h culture, cytokine expression was analysed by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR). Data correspond to five independent experiments.

BAY 11-7082, SP600125, SB202190 and monoclonal antibodies against β-actin (A5316) were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich (St Louis, MO). Rabbit

antibodies against NF-κBp65 (sc-372), p38 (sc-7149), Gas6 (sc-1935) and ProS (sc-27027) were purchased from Santa Cruz Biotechnology (Santa Cruz, CA). Rabbit anti-phospho-p65 (No. 5970), anti-phospho-p38 (No. 4631) and anti-phospho-IRF3 (No. 3661) antibodies were purchased from Cell Signaling Technology (Beverly, PF-6463922 datasheet MA). Rabbit anti-F4/80 (ab6640) antibodies were purchased from Abcam (Cambridge, UK). Fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated and horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-conjuated secondary antibodies were purchased from Zhongshan Biotechnology, Inc. (Beijing, China). Phycoerythrin (PE)-conjugated antibodies against F4/80 and FITC-conjugated annexin V were purchased from Biolegend (San Diego, CA). Peritoneal macrophages were isolated based on a previous approach.21 Briefly, mice were anaesthetized with CO2 and then killed by cervical dislocation. The peritoneal cavities were lavaged with 5 ml ice-cold PBS to collect peritoneal cells. The cells were cultured selleck compound in RPMI-1640 (Gibco-BRL, Grand

Island, NY) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (Gibco-BRL) in a humidified atmosphere containing 5% CO2 at 37°. After 2 hr, non-adherent cells were removed by vigorously washing with PBS, and the macrophages adhering to the dishes were identified by immunostaining for F4/80 (a marker for macrophages) and used for subsequent experiments. Mouse macrophages cultured on Lab-Tek

chamber slides (Nunc, Naperville, IL) were fixed with cold methanol at −20° for 3 min, and permeabilized with 0·2% Triton X-100 in PBS for 15 min. The cells were blocked by incubation with 10% normal goat Methamphetamine serum in PBS at room temperature for 30 min, and then incubated with rabbit anti-F4/80 antibodies in a humid chamber at 37° for 1 hr. After washing thrice with PBS, the cells were incubated with the FITC-conjugated goat anti-rabbit IgG for 30 min. Negative controls were incubated with pre-immune rabbit serum instead of the anti-F4/80 antibodies. The cells were washed thrice with PBS and subjected to a counterstaining for nuclei using 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI; Zhongshan Biotechnology, Inc.). The slides were mounted for examination under a fluorescence microscope (IX-71; Olympus, Tokyo, Japan). Macrophages were detached by treatment with 5 mm EDTA for 5 min. After washing with cold PBS, the cells were stained with PE-conjugated antibodies against F4/80, FITC-conjugated annexin V following the manufacturer’s instructions. The cells were analysed using a BD FACSSanto flow cytometer (BD Biosciences). Total RNA was isolated from macrophages using TRIzol reagent (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, CA) in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

In vitro studies demonstrate WKN4 mutations leading to decreased expression of ROMK, and lead to increase chloride permeability. Treatment with hydrochlorothiazide not only improves biochemical parameters, it has also reportedly improved growth & pubertal development, highlighting the need for early diagnosis. This case highlights the challenge of patients who pose a diagnostic dilemma, and the need for overall review of a patient, especially when

individual specialists are treating individual symptoms. 284 IS RENAL BIOPSY NECESSARY IN HIGH RISK Ruxolitinib LUPUS PATIENTS? A CASE REPORT P SANGHI, B HIREMAGALUR, J KURTKOTI Gold Coast University Hospital, Australia Introduction: Early renal biopsy in Lupus nephritis (LN) not only

helps in diagnosis but guides management & prognosis too. However bleeding remains foremost concern following the procedure in these patients. Hence biopsy should be deferred if the management is not going to be altered. Case: A 23 year old with known class IV/V LN being treated with cyclosporine & prednisone along with warfarin for positive lupus anticoagulant state, presented with 3 day history of pleuritic chest pain, vomiting, & abdominal distension. She was heamodynamically stable with ascites on clinical examination. Her investigations showed anemia, elevated INR, low compliments, elevated double stranded DNA & acute Dabrafenib renal failure along with haemoproteinuria. A diagnosis

of flare of lupus was made & her immunosuppression was increased. Follow up: She was commenced on daily plasma exchange (PE) with albumin & fresh frozen plasma. She underwent a renal biopsy & was discharged after 2 weeks of completing PE. She was readmitted again Glycogen branching enzyme with 3 day history of severe abdominal pain and hypotension. Initial CT angiogram revealed large left sided retroperitoneal haematoma requiring urgent coiling & embolization. She was discharged home after 3 weeks stay in hospital with regular renal follow up. Conclusions: Although relapse after therapy would prompt a repeat biopsy, in patients with known class III/IV even in a flare state repeating biopsy may not be required. Our patient already had 3 renal biopsies in the past with evidence of global sclerosis. This case highlights the bleeding complications involved with biopsy in high risk lupus patients which can add to their morbidity. Hence we recommend that repeat renal biopsy is unnecessary & should be better avoided in high risk lupus patients.

The questions yet unanswered by all the studies are: best source of MSC, the timing of infusion, dose of infusion, site of infusion and efficacy in terms of recovery find more and/or minimization of immunosuppression. Trivedi et al. have probably answered most of the queries haunting transplanters for the last 50 years. We have shown that

combined adipose tissue-derived MSC and HSC have been useful in reaching the Utopian dream of tolerance. In one of our studies of 606 living donor RT we have addressed several questions haunting transplanters. We have deleted rejecting T and B cells by non-myeloablative conditioning of total lymphoid irradiation (200 cGY × 4 or 5 days) and/or Bortezomib, 1.5 mg/kgBW in four divided doses, every third day, Cyclophosphamide, 20 mg/kg body weight and rabbit antithymocyte globulin, 1.5 mg/kg body weight. We infuse combined adipose tissue-derived MSC and HSC in portal and thymic circulation, since liver is the most tolerogenic organ due to its microanatomy and various functional aspects.[31, 32] Cells entering thymus undergo both positive and negative selection, resulting in T cells with a broad range of reactivity to foreign antigens but with a lack of reactivity to self-antigens. It is also a source of a subset

of regulatory T cells that inhibit auto-reactivity of T-cell selleck screening library clones that may escape negative selection. Hence, thymus is Resveratrol believed to be essential for induction of tolerance. We have also observed that stem cells when infused before solid organ transplantation help in blocking direct and indirect pathways of rejection. Furthermore, although there is no definite evidence of their grafting we have seen maintenance

of T-regulatory cells recruited by MSC, which help in sustaining tolerance. In addition, with better HLA matching, the weaning off immunosuppression becomes safer. We have observed in our pilot study of two patients that post-transplant infusion of MSC can lead to acute rejection (unpublished data) hence the best timing of MSC infusion is before organ transplantation and preferably 10 days before transplantation as depicted in Figure 1. Infections remain a major challenge for all transplantations especially in developing countries where social, economic and environmental conditions are far from health-promoting. Therefore the major cause of death is infections with 15% developing tuberculosis, 30% cytomegalovirus, and nearly 50% bacterial infections in developing countries.[33] The prevalence of post-transplant tuberculosis in India is reported to be the highest (12 to 20%) in the world, and the mortality among those afflicted is high at 20 to 25%.

[17] The differential modulation of these co-stimulatory molecules may therefore have important consequences for directing T-cell maturation. Induction of chemokines is a key mechanism for shaping inflammatory microenvironments. Here we find evidence that hBD-3 induces the Selleckchem Poziotinib expression of several chemokines and angiogenesis factors (MCP-1, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, MDC, Gro-α and

VEGF) in monocytes and macrophages. MCP-1 acts in a similar manner to hBD-3 and can chemoattract monocytes via CCR2.[18] Both MIP-1α and MIP-1β are β chemokines that interact with CCR5 to attract memory T cells[19, 20] and MDC mediates chemotaxis via CCR4, resulting in the potential recruitment of T helper type 2 cells and dendritic cells.[21] Gro-α binds CXCR2 and causes the chemotaxis of neutrophils and monocytes.[22, 23] Similar to VEGF, Gro-α can also play a role in the vascularization of tissues.[23, 24] These findings provide evidence that hBD-3 orchestrates the influx of diverse pro-inflammatory cell types not just by

direct recruitment of CCR2+ cells but also by activating monocytes and macrophages to release additional chemokines. Furthermore, induction of angiogenesis Ceritinib in vitro factors by hBD-3 could contribute to tissue repair in some cases and may also exacerbate tumour growth in circumstances where hBD-3 expression may be increased in or near cancerous lesions.[5] Monocytes from HIV+ donors display a variety of phenotypic and functional alterations. These cells appear to be activated in HIV disease as indicated by their increased expression of CD69 and HLA-DR[25, 26] and are also less capable of responding to type I interferon stimulation.[26, 27] In these studies, we find that monocytes from HIV+ donors more readily produce chemokines (MCP-1, MIP-1α and MIP-1β) spontaneously

Fossariinae in the absence of overt stimulation and we find evidence that monocytes are less able to release chemokines or growth factors (VEGF, Gro-α and MDC) after stimulation with hBD-3. Notably, the chemokines that are spontaneously produced at high levels and the chemokines that are less readily induced by hBD-3 in cells from HIV+ donors are not overlapping, suggesting that high background production of chemokines does not account for failure to optimally induce their expression from these cells. Our studies also define the expression of chemokine receptors on monocyte subsets in freshly isolated cells from HIV+ donors. CCR5 and CCR2 expression appeared to be relatively unperturbed in cells from HIV+ donors, whereas CXCR2 and CCR4 expression was marginally decreased in certain subsets. The potential reduction in expression of these particular receptors in cells from HIV+ donors together with the diminished induction of their respective ligands after hBD-3 stimulation provides evidence that these chemokine axes may be perturbed in monocytes from HIV+ donors.

[80] Protein–DNA STI571 mw cross-linking studies have suggested that cRAG1/cRAG2 may form specific contacts with the heptamer of RSS.[81, 82] In addition, binding assays have shown that cRAG1, even in the absence of RAG2, could bind to RSS in a manner that was specific to both heptamer and nonamer.[38, 82] RAG1 and RAG2 can interact and exist as a complex.[83] Modification interference and direct footprinting studies indicated that RAG1 alone could make extensive contacts with the nonamer,

whereas RAG2 is needed for the heptamer occupancy.[81] Direct interaction between RAG2 and DNA in the RAG1/RAG2/RSS complex has also been reported.[77] Fluorescence anisotropy and gel mobility shift assays indicate that RAG1 exhibits sequence specific binding character. It has been suggested that this property is masked by its non-specific DNA interactions and addition of RAG2 effectively rescues RAG1 from this non-specific binding.[84] Using chromatin immunoprecipitation, it was shown that in vivo RAG binding was focused at the ‘recombination centres’ involving a small region encompassing J (and where present, J-proximal D) subexons

in the IgH, IgK, TCRB and TCRA loci.[85, 86] The study showed that RAG2 binds throughout the genome at sites with substantial levels of H3K4me3. RAG1 binding was shown to be restricted to highly active chromatin in the presence of arrays of RSSs.[85, 86] Expression of RAG in early B cells occurs in two waves, the former is responsible for V(D)J rearrangement of IgH genes in pro-B and pre-B-I cells and the latter for RG7204 solubility dmso VJ recombination of the IgL genes

in small pre-B-II cells.[87] There are also reports of a third wave of RAG expression, induced in activated mature B cells in vitro and in vivo.[88] Spleen B cells from mice activated with lipopolysaccharide Ribociclib chemical structure or interleukin-4 showed expression of RAGs.[88] Mice immunized with the antigen trinitrophenyl-keyhole limpet haemocyanin also showed expression of RAG1 and RAG2 in the inguinal and popliteal cells of draining lymph nodes.[88] In addition, immature B cells carrying self-reactive receptors exhibited up-regulated RAG expression. Following B-cell antigen receptor cross-linking, an increased level of RAG mRNA was reported in cultures of developing B cells.[89, 90] The sustained RAG expression allowed secondary V(D)J recombination that involves the replacement of self-reactive antibody V region genes by the V(D)J recombination. During this process, B cells with a non-self-reactive receptor are allowed to exit from prolonged V(D)J recombination, whereas the self-reactive cells are retained for further editing, until they produce a non-self-reactive receptor.[91] ‘Receptor editing’ refers to the secondary rearrangement that occurs in immature B and T cells, which plays a role in mediating tolerance.

Thus, it is not clear if the susceptibility observed in BALB/c and the higher degree of resistance in C57BL/6 mice are possibly related to PKCα activity and to what degree the promastigotes and LPG of L. mexicana modulate the activity of this isoenzyme contributing to define the disease outcome. In the present work, we analysed the effect of L. mexicana promastigotes and of purified LPG on PKCα activity of peritoneal macrophages obtained from susceptible BALB/c and more the resistant Neratinib ic50 mouse strain C57BL/6 and correlated

the results with the oxidative burst and parasite survival measured in macrophages of both mouse strains. Male C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice were purchased from Harlan Laboratory (Mexico City, Mexico) and raised at the animal facility of the Departamento de Medicina Experimental following the national guidelines for animal care. The animals were handled according to the guidelines established by the ethical committee of the Medical School of the UNAM. Leishmania: Promastigotes of L. mexicana strain MHOM/92/UADY68 promastigotes https://www.selleckchem.com/Wnt.html were grown in RPMI-1640

medium (Life Technologies Laboratories, Gaithersburg, MA, USA), supplemented with 5% heat-inactivated FBS at 28°C. Lipophosphoglycan was purified from L. mexicana as previously described (22). Briefly, parasites were subcultured every 4–5 days and grown to a density of 2 × 107/mL. Promastigotes were harvested from stationary-phase cultures, centrifuged at 3200 × g for 10 min, washed three times in PBS, Dapagliflozin and finally counted after immobilization

with glutaraldehyde (0·1%). The supernatant was removed and the pellet was extracted with chloroform/methanol/water (4 : 8 : 3, v/v) for 30 min at room temperature. The insoluble material was used for LPG extraction with 9% 1-butanol in water (2 × 50 mL) and the pooled supernatants were vacuum-dried. LPG was purified from this fraction by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using an octyl-sepharose column and a 1-propanol gradient (5–60%) in 0·1 m ammonium acetate. Two octyl-sepharose columns were used to optimize LPG purity. The preparations were negative for the presence of endotoxin using the Limulus sp. amebocyte lysate assay (E-Toxate Kit; Sigma, St. Louis, MO, USA). A sample was analysed for protein contaminants by SDS–PAGE followed by silver staining. The preparation was devoid of protein contaminants. Bone marrow-derived macrophages cells from male BALB/c or C57BL/6 mice were prepared as described previously (23).

672 patients were assessed for management of renal anemia during 12 months. Results 1)  Mean age was 68 years and 69.2% was male gender. Percentages of diabetes and history of cardiovascular disease were 37.9% and 27.8%, respectively. Conclusion: Anemia with ID was associated with a higher risk for CV events than without ID. Compared to increasing prescription of ESA, prescription of iron LDK378 manufacturer did not increase sufficiently. These results suggest that it is necessary to assess ID and use iron supplementation appropriately. JIN KYUBOK, PARK BONG-SOO,

JEONG HEUI JEONG, KIM YANG-WOOK Department of Medicine, Inje University, Haeundae Paik Hospital Introduction: Although control of normal hydration state is a key parameter for cardiovascular mortality in

dialysis patients, the question for biomarkers of volume excess continues. Body composition monitor (BCM; Fresenius Medical care, Bad Homburg, Germany) has been proven as a non-invasive and quantitative method for measuring intracellular and extracellular fluid spaces. In addition, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), myeloperoxidase, copeptin and proadrenomedullin are associated with cardiac dysfunction and systemic blood volume. Present study investigated the relationship between body fluid status and volume markers in dialysis patients. Methods: Cohorts Selleck GW-572016 of pre-dialysis (pre-D), hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients and age- and gender-matched healthy Korean individuals were recruited in the study (N = 80). In all patients BCM and standard echocardiography were performed. HD patients were measured at the midweek session before dialysis and PD patients were measured with a full abdomen. Also Alanine-glyoxylate transaminase NT-proBNP, myeloperoxidase, cepetin and proadrenomedullin as volume markers were measured. Clinical overhydration was defined as an overhydration-to-exracellular water ratio of >15%. Results: Total

body water, extracellular water and intracellular water were not different in the control, pre-D, HD and PD patients. In the control and pre-D patients, overhydration were 0.6 ± 0.2 L and 1.9 ± 1.0 L, whereas 2.8 ± 0.6 L and 3.0 ± 0.5 L in the HD and PD patients, respectively (p < 0.001). Clinical overhydration was more prevalent in HD and PD patients compared to pre-D patients (35% vs 55% vs 20%, p < 0.05). This was associated with significantly (p < 0.001) higher NT-proBNP and proadrenomedullin levels in HD and PD patients than in the control and pre-D groups. However, no significant difference was found in levels of myeloperoxidase and copeptin in the study groups. Clinical overhydration was associated with cardiac dysfunction markers (LV mass index, LV dimension and ejection fraction, LA diameter and E/E′ ratio). In multivariate models, clinical overhydration was directly related to NT-proBNP and proadrenomedullin concentrations in the study population (r = 0.454 [p < 0.001] and r = 0.505 [p < 0.001], respectively).

The BLT mouse has become widely used to study human immunobiology, and the findings presented here highlight important parameters for the generation of this model and its use. Overall, our data indicate that optimal human cell engraftment of BLT mice requires subrenal implant of thymic

tissues and low-dose irradiation. However, reasonable engraftment levels can be achieved in the absence of irradiation, and these BLT mice have an extended life span. Importantly, our study underscores the importance for considering JAK inhibitors in development the duration of experiments when using NSG–BLT mice, as these animals develop an activated human T cell population after 20 or more weeks post-implant in most cohorts. We thank Jamie Kady, Meghan Dolan, Pamela St Louis, Linda Paquin, Michael Bates, Bruce Gott, Allison Ingalls, Michelle Farley and Rebecca Riding for excellent technical assistance. This work was supported by National Institutes of Health find more research grants AI046629 and DK032520, an institutional Diabetes Endocrinology Research Center (DERC) grant DK32520, a grant from the University

of Massachusetts Center for AIDS Research, P30 AI042845 and grants from the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, International and the Helmsley Charitable Trust. The contents of this publication are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health. Michael A. Brehm is a consultant for The Jackson Laboratory. No other authors have conflicts of interest to declare. Fig. S1. Influence of the number of injected human CD34+ haematopoietic stem cells (HSC) on human cell chimerism in non-obese diabetic (NOD)-scid IL2rγnull- bone marrow, liver, thymus (NSG–BLT) mice. NSG mice were irradiated with 200 cGy (a,b)

or non-irradiated (c,d) were Alanine-glyoxylate transaminase implanted with 1 mm3 fragments of human fetal thymus and liver in the renal subcapsular space and then injected intravenously with the indicated number of CD34+ HSC derived from the autologous human CD3-depleted fetal liver. The peripheral blood of recipient NSG mice was screened for human CD45+ cell chimerism (a,c) and development of human CD3+ T cells (b,d) at 12 weeks after implant. Each point shown represents an individual mouse. Fig. S2. Engraftment levels of human CD45+ cells in female or male non-obese diabetic (NOD)-scid IL2rγnull (NSG) mice implanted with tissues from either male or female donors. Male or female NSG mice were irradiated with 200 cGy, implanted with 1 mm3 fragments of human fetal thymus and liver in the renal subcapsular space and then injected intravenously with 1 × 105 to 5 × 105 CD34+ haematopoietic stem cells derived from the autologous human CD3-depleted fetal liver cells. Tissues both male (a) and female donors (b) were used. The peripheral blood of recipient NSG mice was screened for human CD45+ cell chimerism at 12 weeks after implant.