REPROCELL Launches Immune Modulated iPSC Products
REPROCELL is pleased to announce the introduction of new StemEdit™ Human iPSC HLA Knock lines.
Yokohama, Japan, 1 May 2025—REPROCELL is a global leader in providing products and services to support stem cells for clinical and research use. As part of this, REPROCELL introduces StemEdit™ Human iPSC non-HLA class 1 (B2M Homo KO) and StemEdit™ Human iPSC non-HLA class 1/2 (B2M/CIITA Homo double KO) cell lines. These cell lines, although for research use only, were derived from StemRNA Clinical induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from a healthy donor using our StemEdit™ gene editing technology. These cells provide stem cell researchers with iPSCs that are devoid of HLA class 1 (B2M Homo KO line) or both HLA Class 1 and 2 (B2M/CIITA Homo double KO line) expression, making them ideal to study the interaction of the immune system with iPSCs or cells derived from them. In addition to these ready-to-use research cell lines, the technology is also available through our clinical and research services to provide immunomodulated versions of other iPSC lines for research but specifically for iPSC-based clinical cell therapy programs.
"The introduction of these new hypoimmune StemEdit™ Human iPSC lines marks a significant milestone in advancing immune research and regenerative medicine. By enabling researchers to study and manipulate immune cell interactions with unprecedented precision, these cell lines exemplify REPROCELL's commitment to empowering scientific discovery. We will continue to innovate and provide world-class tools to support breakthroughs in cell therapy and immunology."—Dr. Chikafumi Yokoyama, CEO of REPROCELL Inc.
About HLA:
HLA, or Human Leucocyte Antigen, is a group of genes and corresponding proteins that are expressed on the surface of cells, and are responsible for coordinating the interaction of the immune system with host and foreign cells.
Class 1 HLAs form a complex with β2 Microglobulin (B2M), and this complex regulates the binding and activation of T cell immune cells, which are responsible for identifying and removing foreign cells. Removal of B2M in iPSCs by genetic mutation blocks the binding of T cells and renders the iPSCs invisible to the T cell-regulated immune system.
Class 2 HLA complexes are involved with the formation and regulation of antigen-presenting cells, an important component of the development and regulation of the cell-based immune response to foreign cells. The formation of the HLA 2 complex is regulated by the CIITA gene, and knocking out this gene reduces the formation of HLA 2 complex.
The combination of knocking out both the B2M gene and the CIITA gene results in a significant reduction of the cellular immune response and enhances the stability of foreign cells in the body.
About REPROCELL:
REPROCELL provides services and reagents to support the entire drug discovery pathway. REPROCELL, founded in 2002, is based in Yokohama, Japan, with laboratories in Beltsville (MD, USA), Glasgow (UK), and Hyderabad (India) to support global research efforts. The company operates through several specialized brands, each offering unique expertise and products to advance scientific discovery. BioServe brand biorepository and molecular services provide researchers with human tissue samples and molecular services, supporting diverse research and development efforts while serving as a starting point for stem cell research. Stemgent brand stem cell products and services, along with the REPROCELL brand differentiated cells and reagents, empower researchers to harness the potential of stem cells to advance the understanding and treatment of human diseases. Alvetex-brand 3D culture products provide a physiologically relevant environment for cells that mimics their in vitro environment. Biopta brand human tissue assays provide pharmaceutical companies with physiologically relevant information on human tissue prior to clinical trials.