Use of neuro-derived fetal cell lines for transplantation therapy

Abstract

Human fetal neuro-derived cell lines are implanted into host tissues. The methods allow for treatment of a variety of neurological disorders and other diseases. A preferred cell line is SVG.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method for treating a host comprising implanting cells of an immortalized human neuro-derived fetal cell line into the host.  
     
     
         2 . A method as in  claim 1 , wherein the fetal cell line is derived from human fetal astrocytes.  
     
     
         3 . A method as in  claim 2 , wherein the cells are derived from the SVG cell line.  
     
     
         4 . A method as in  claim 1 , wherein the cells are encapsulated by a membrane which is impermeable to antibodies.  
     
     
         5 . A method as in  claim 1 , wherein the cells are implanted into the central nervous system of the host.  
     
     
         6 . A method as in  claim 5 , wherein the cells are implanted into the basal ganglia of the host.  
     
     
         7 . A method as in  claim 5 , wherein the cells are implanted into the lumbar theca of the host.  
     
     
         8 . A method as in  claim 5 , wherein the cells are implanted into a lateral ventricle of the host.  
     
     
         9 . A method as in  claim 1 , wherein the cells are implanted extraneurally.  
     
     
         10 . A method as in  claim 9 , wherein the cells are implanted subcutaneously.  
     
     
         11 . A method as in  claim 1 , wherein the cells have been transfected with a vector comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding a peptide for expression by the cells.  
     
     
         12 . A method as in  claim 11 , wherein the peptide is an enzyme.  
     
     
         13 . A method as in  claim 11 , wherein the peptide is a disease associated antigen.  
     
     
         14 . A method as in  claim 13 , further comprising removing the cells following implantation.  
     
     
         15 . A method as in  claim 13 , wherein the cells are encapsulated by a membrane impermeable to antibodies.  
     
     
         16 . A method for treating Parkinson's Disease in a host comprising implanting cells derived from an SVG cell line into the basal ganglia of the host.  
     
     
         17 . A method as in  claim 16 , wherein the SVG cells are transfected with a nucleic acid sequence encoding tyrosine hydroxylase operably linked to a transcriptional promoter and a transcriptional terminator.  
     
     
         18 . A method as in  claim 16 , wherein the host does not require immunosuppressive therapy following implantation of the cells.  
     
     
         19 . A method of treating a neurological disorder caused by a lesion in a host's central nervous system, comprising: 
 placing a needle into the central nervous system; and    injecting a suspension of cells into the central nervous system through the needle, which cells are from an immortalized human neuro-derived fetal cell line.    
     
     
         20 . A method as in  claim 19 , wherein the lesion is confined to a region of the central nervous system and the cells are injected into the region.  
     
     
         21 . A method as in  claim 19 , wherein the cells are SVG cells.  
     
     
         22 . A method as in  claim 19 , wherein the neurological disorder is Parkinsonism.  
     
     
         23 . A method as in  claim 19 , wherein the cells are injected with a infusion pump.