| abstract |
Methods and compositions for providing induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells are provided. For example, in certain embodiments, a method is described that includes reprogramming B lymphocytes transformed with an episomal vector, such as an Epstein-Barr virus-based vector. Furthermore, the present invention provides induced pluripotent stem cells that are essentially free of foreign elements and have a rearrangement of the B cell immunoglobulin variable region. In one embodiment, a method of generating induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) from immortalized B cells is provided, comprising: a) one or more immortalized Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) elements Obtaining an immortalized immortalized B cell; and b) reprogramming the immortalized B cell by causing expression of an exogenous reprogramming factor within the cell, thereby generating an iPS cell. And including. [Selection] Figure 1 |