Ex vivo method for producing functional osteoclasts from bone marrow in a three-dimensional bioreactor

摘要

The present invention provides cultured osteoclasts which function to resorb bone and methods for generating such osteoclasts. The method comprises isolating hemopoietic cells or accessory cells, culturing the hemopoietic cells or accessory cells in a chamber having a scaffolding covered or surrounded with culture medium, wherein the scaffolding allows for hemopoietic cells or accessory cells to have cell to cell contacts in three dimensions. The subject osteoclasts are useful for screening drugs which inhibit or stimulate osteoclastogenesis and/or osteoclast function. The subject osteoclasts are also useful in treating certain bone diseases and for use in bone remodeling and regeneration.