Minimizing time in culture: A prototypic autologous manufacturing workflow for monoclonal iPSC lines within seven weeks

Induced pluripotent stem cells from discovery to translation.

Induced pluripotent stem cell reprogramming: methodological evolution and challenges in clinical translation

This review summarizes the trajectory of iPSC reprogramming technologies and identifies the core “translational triltrilas”, namely, the inherent tradeoffs between security, homogeneity, and scalability, and proposes a comprehensive strategy to overcome these bottlenecks.

Efficient chemical reprogramming of human T cells into functional megakaryocytes and platelets

The generation of megakaryocytes (MKs) from human somatic cells through chemical reprogramming represents a promising strategy for developing alternative platelet sources. Building on our prior chemical reprogramming protocol for converting erythroblasts to MKs, we established a robust method that successfully generated induced MKs (iMKs) from human cord blood–derived CD3+ T cells, which is a more abundant source. This method used a five–small molecule cocktail containing a reprogramming booster, AZD4205, to promote erasure of T cell identity and facilitate fate transition toward MKs. T cell–derived iMKs exhibited characteristic MK cellular and molecular signatures, demonstrating the capacity to produce proplatelets and release functional platelets. Single-cell RNA sequencing further revealed that iMKs were heterogeneous with distinct functional profiles, including cycling, immune, and thrombopoiesis-biased MKs. Our findings highlight an optimized chemical reprogramming strategy that enables efficient conversion of T cells to MKs, providing a practical and convenient approach to generating clinically relevant MKs and platelets.

First evidence of the circulation of induced pluripotent stem cell-derived platelets in humans

Abstract Platelet products are essential for preventing and treating bleeding in patients with thrombocytopenia. However, their short shelf life and reliance on voluntary blood donations pose significant challenges to maintaining a stable supply. To overcome these limitations, induced pluripotent stem cell-derived platelets (iPSC-PLTs) have emerged as a promising alternative. The clinical application of iPSC-PLTs succeeded in demonstrating safety in an autologous transfusion setting; however, allogeneic applications remain unexplored. Here, we report the world’s first clinical evaluation of an allogeneic iPSC-PLT product. An immortalized megakaryocyte cell line (imMKCL) was established from an iPSC line by introducing 3 inducible genes—c-MYC, BMI1, and BCL-XL—and subsequently generating master and working cell banks. Using the working cell bank and turbulent flow bioreactors, an allogeneic iPSC-PLT product, MEG-002, was successfully produced with clinically relevant quality and yield. MEG-002 underwent comprehensive structural and functional characterization, including in vivo efficacy testing in rabbit models, which confirmed its functionality. Preclinical safety studies revealed no concerns. A clinical trial was conducted in accordance with ethical and regulatory standards in Japan. MEG-002 was infused into a patient with aplastic anemia at a dose of 6 × 1010 platelets. No adverse events were reported, and no clinically significant changes were observed in any assessments. Furthermore, a transient increase in platelet count and evidence of iPSC-PLT circulation were observed. Despite being descriptive observations from a single subject, these findings suggest the safety and potential efficacy of allogeneic iPSC-PLTs in humans. The clinical trial is registered with the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (jRCT2053210068).

The evolution of iPSC-based cell therapy across autologous and allogeneic pathways.

Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based treatments have revolutionized regenerative medicine, yielding patient-specific renewable cells without raising ethical concerns related to the use of embryonic stem cells. In two decades, iPSC therapies have advanced from basic research to clinical trials and official approvals. Early research focused on autologous transplantation, exemplified by the 2014 retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) graft. Yet, personalized production obstacles prompted allogeneic schemes relying on HLA cell banks and immunomodified donor cells. Meanwhile, innovations such as chemical reprogramming have revitalized autologous strategies. Today, autologous and allogeneic iPSC therapies complement each other for distinct clinical demands. This review traces key field milestones and analyzes prospects and hurdles for next-generation iPSC therapies.

In vivo CAR-T therapy: The shift from ex vivo culturing to direct in situ immune reprogramming.

CAR T-cell therapy using chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) has provided a radical shift in the treatment of several hematological malignancies, producing high response rates and durable remissions. However, conventional ex vivo manufacturing is limited by complex processing steps, high costs, variability in product quality, and clinically relevant delays that restrict patient eligibility. In vivo manufacturing has emerged as a next-generation approach in which immune cells are reprogrammed directly within the patient, eliminating the need for exogenous handling and culture. This strategy uses viral and non-viral delivery platforms, including lentiviral vectors, adeno-associated viruses, lipid nanoparticles, and targeted polymer systems, together with DNA, mRNA, and genome editing tools such as CRISPR-based technologies. Early feasibility data are supported mainly by preclinical models and translational studies, while safety remains a central concern due to potential immunotoxicity, off-target transduction, and regulatory challenges. This review highlights key engineering strategies enabling in vivo CAR T-cell generation, summarizes emerging clinical research and development, and discusses future opportunities for expanding in vivo CAR T-cell therapies as scalable immunotherapy platforms.