Tat-Myc Recombinant Fusion Protein Enhances Hematopoietic Stem Cell Graft Performance And Immune Cell Reconstitution After Transplantation

The long interval between hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and hematopoietic engraftment and immune reconstitution is a dangerous time for patients. Although neutrophil counts usually rise within several weeks following stem cell transplantation, recovery of functional T and B cell repertoires can often take months; during this period patients are at risk for severe infections, and graft vs. tumor effects may be attenuated. We have examined the use of a recombinant fusion protein consisting of the N-terminal 9 amino acid segment of the HIV TAT protein transduction domain (PTD) fused to the MYC protein as a means of enhancing stem cell graft performance.