Cell and Gene Therapy Laboratory

The Cell and Gene Therapy Laboratory (CGTL, formerly the Stem Cell Laboratory) has been processing hematopoietic progenitor cells for bone marrow transplantation (BMT) for decades. Since its move into a cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practices) space in 2010, the lab has taken on an increasing number of experimental cellular therapy protocols, the most prominent being the trials leading to the FDA approval of the chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T) product Kymriah.

The current products processed in the lab can be broadly categorized as those meant for standard of care BMT or novel cell and gene therapy. For BMT, we treat patients diagnosed with hematological or non-hematological malignancies, myelodysplastic syndromes, hematological congenital disorders, aplastic anemia, inborn errors of metabolism, or congenital immunodeficiencies. The sources of the progenitor cells are bone marrow, mobilized peripheral blood or umbilical cord blood. The donor can be autologous or allogeneic depending on the type of transplant. For novel cell and gene therapies, we perform various graft manipulations, manufacture virus specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL), and participate in many other research protocols in the rapidly expanding field of cellular therapy. We also perform in-house flow cytometry and cell content analysis.

The following procedures are currently performed by the CGTL:

  • Cryopreservation of cell products
  • Thawing cell products for infusion
  • Red cell depletion of cell products
  • Plasma depletion of cell products
  • Processing donor lymphocytes for T-cell infusions
  • CD34 selection using the CliniMACS device
  • CD3/CD19 depletion using the CliniMACS Plus
  • TCRab/CD19 depletion using the CliniMACS Plus
  • CD45RA depletion using the CliniMACS Plus
  • Virus specific CTL manufacturing using the CliniMACS Prodigy
  • Cell content analysis by flow cytometry

The CGTL is accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) and by the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT).

Lab location

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Fifth Floor, Room 5NW38
3401 Civic Center Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA 19104

Lab hours

Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.