Stem cell immobilization

PCT No. PCT/GB95/01389 Sec. 371 Date Apr. 8, 1997 Sec. 102(e) Date Apr. 8, 1997 PCT Filed Jun. 15, 1995 PCT Pub. No. WO96/00782 PCT Pub. Date Jan. 11, 1996Haematopoietic stem cells (which term includes early progenitor cells) are immobilized on a substrate coated with a fibrin matrix and including a substance capable of both binding to the fibrin matrix and also having an RGD amino acid sequence for binding to the stem cells. The substance may be fibronectin or thrombospondin. The substrate is generally in the form of a closed bag formed of a carbon dioxide-permeable and oxygen-permeable plastics material which allows culturing of the stem cells. The cultured stem cells may re-engraft a patient following chemotherapy or to correct haemotological deficiencies. Stem cells may be harvested from peripheral blood onto the coated substrate. The stem cells in contact with the coated substrate are good candidates for gene therapy to introduce a heterologous gene e.g. employing a transfection vector.