Haplo-iPS – Generation of Human Induced Pluripotent STEM Cells from Haplo-selected Cord Blood Samples

HAPLO-iPS aims to create a collaborative network to provide a framework for hiPSC generation

The aim of the COST Action HAPLO-iPS is to establish a collaborative network that provides a framework for generating human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) homozygous for frequent HLA haplotypes. These hiPSC lines will be compatible with a significant percentage of the population, allowing their use in cell therapy clinical trials. Additionally, the network aims to develop a data collection system based on the hPSCreg registry for human pluripotent stem cell lines.

HAPLO-iPS will create an excellence network based in Europe, focusing on hiPSC-derived cell-based medicines. This network not only aims to advance the state-of-the-art in this research field but also contributes to Europe’s global leadership in medical, scientific, economic, and social development. By strengthening Europe’s competitiveness capacities, the network involves key stakeholders such as hiPSC generation/banking centers, cord blood banks, manufacturing centers compliant with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), immunology experts, chemistry and manufacturing controls professionals, regulatory bodies, national agencies, and ethics experts. The approach to this challenge involves networking among stakeholders, sharing knowledge, standardizing methodologies, and developing an educational training program for researchers.

HAPLO-iPS also promotes the participation of researchers from less research-intensive countries, as a significant percentage of the members come from these countries. Participants from these countries will have access to research facilities, training courses, and mentoring programs for young researchers, contributing to spreading excellence and widening participation. Furthermore, key leadership positions in the Action Management are reserved for COST ITC members.

Overall, this project pioneers new approaches that will drive the progress of haplo-selected hiPS generation for therapeutics. It achieves this through the development, implementation, and exploitation of a registry that consolidates all relevant information for the benefit of patients.

iBET Participation in Haplo-iPS

iBET participates in Haplo-iPS working group (WG) 2 –  hiPSC production, coordinated by WG2 Leader Prof Angel Raya (Institut d’Investigació Biomedica de Bellvitge) and WG2 co-Leader Margarida Serra (Head of iBET’s Stem and Immune Cells Bioengineering Lab).

WG 2 is responsible for the generation and characterization of hiPSC. The team shall compare and optimize the methodologies for the generation of hiPSC suitable for the manufacture of therapeutic products and develop a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on hiPSC generation from haplo-selected cord blood samples based on assessment of cell preparation/selection and reprogramming methods.

Funded by

COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) for research and innovation networks. Know more on COST ACTION website here.

CSO Approval Date: 27/05/2022; MoU – 065/22

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