Expansion of cells using thrombopoietin and anti-transforming growth factor-beta

摘要

The invention features a method for the expansion of hematopoietic stem cells using a combination of a thrombopoietin agonist and a transforming growth factor-beta blocking agent in the absence of stem cell factor. The invention also features a hematopoictic stem cell composition that has been expanded using a combination of a thrombopoietin agonist and a transforming growth factor-beta blocking agent in the absence of stem cell factor, as well as methods of using an expanded hematopoietic stem cell composition to restore or supplement an immune system and/or blood forming system compromised by, for example, radiation or chemotherapy.