Cytokine production and hematopoiesis supporting activity of cord blood-derived unrestricted somatic stem cells

USSC produce functionally significant amounts of hematopoiesis-supporting cytokines and are superior to BMMSC in expansion of CD34+ cells from CB. USSC is therefore a suitable candidate for stroma-driven ex vivo expansion of hematopoietic CB cells for short-term reconstitution.