Establishment and characterization of lymphoid and myeloid mixed-cell populations from mouse late embryoid bodies, "embryonic-stem-cell fetuses".

Mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells have the potential to differentiate into embryoid bodies in vitro and mimic normal embryonic development. The "ES fetus" is a specific development at a late stage seen under our culture conditions. We have established several mixed populations from ES fetuses by using combinations of retroviruses carrying different oncogenes (v-abl, v-raf, c-myc), interleukins 2 and 3, and Con A. Six groups of mixed populations were characterized by immunophenotyping. For some groups, transfer of cells into sublethally irradiated mice resulted in the development of macrophages, mature T and B lymphocytes, and plasma cells of donor origin. Thus, these mixed populations may contain immortalized precursors of hematopoietic lineages. These mixed populations should be valuable for defining hematopoietic stem cells and their committed progenitors.