1) To investigate whether creating low levels of molecular chimerism in the murine hematopoietic system induces immune tolerance to the transgene product in models of autoimmune disease.

2) To investigate the usefulness of side population (SP) cells as targets for gene therapy, and to search minimally myeloablative regimes that allow stable engraftment of genetically modified murine hematopoietic stem cells.

Head of Cell and Gene Therapy Research Group : Jordi Barquinero Máñez
Tel. 93 2746726
jbarquinero@ir.vhebron.net 

Researchers
Ramón Gimeno Martínez
Mónica George Palop

PhD Students
Herena Eixarch Ahufinger
Alba Gómez Morago
Sonia Perea Méndez

”Molecular chimerism in the hematopoietic system as a way to induce immunotolerance.”.
Coordinator: Jordi Barquinero.
In collaboration with the Clinical Neuroimmunology Unit we are evaluating the hypothesis that creating low levels of molecular chimerism in the hematopoietic system via transplantation of transduced bone marrow cells induces immune tolerance to the transgene product. To this end we are using experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, a model of multiple sclerosis.

 “Development of the Human Immune System. ”.
Coordinator: Ramón Gimeno
Soluble factors and signals coming from the surrounding stroma regulate the fate of human haematopoietic stem cells. Using molecular and cellular approaches together with a mouse model of haematopoietic reconstitution we aim to study the interplay between the different signals that modulate the process of stem cell expansion and lymphoid commitment. 

“Characterization of bone marrow side population (SP) cells”.
Coordinator: Jordi Pétriz
We are carrying out phenotypic and functional studies on bone marrow SP cells, both in vitro (functional characterization of the ABCG2 transporter), and in vivo, in a transplantation model.