WO2023007244A1

WO2023007244A1 - Mammalian cell population useful in cell therapy

Info

Publication number: WO2023007244A1
Application number: PCT/IB2022/000428
Authority: WO
Inventors: Antoine Lafont; Mathieu CASTELA
Original assignee: Scarcell Therapeutics
Priority date: 2021-07-30
Filing date: 2022-07-29
Publication date: 2023-02-02

Abstract

The present invention relates to an isolated mammalian cell population wherein: - at least about 90% of the cells of the population express THY1, CD99 and CD63; - about 10% or less of the cells of the population express CD34 and PTPRC.

Description

MAMMALIAN CELL POPULATION USEFUL IN CELL THERAPY

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a mammalian cell population and the use thereof in cell therapy methods and in cosmetic application.

Technical background Pressure ulcers, also known as pressure sores or bed sores, are localised damage to the skin and/or underlying tissue as a result of usually long-term pressure, or pressure in combination with shear or friction. The most common sites are the skin overlying the sacrum, coccyx, heels, and hips, though other sites can be affected, such as the elbows, knees, ankles, back of shoulders, or the back of the cranium.

Pressure ulcers occur due to pressure applied to soft tissue resulting in completely or partially obstructed blood flow to the soft tissue. Pressure ulcers most commonly develop in individuals who are not moving about, such as those who are on chronic bedrest or consistently use a wheelchair.

As such, the rate of pressure ulcers in hospital settings is high. By way of example, the prevalence in European hospitals ranges from 8.3% to 23%, and the prevalence is 26% in Canadian healthcare settings. In 2013, there were 29,000 documented deaths from pressure ulcers globally.

The primary prevention of pressure ulcer is to redistribute pressure by regularly turning or repositioning the individual at risk. However, such measures are not always sufficient and/or difficult to implement with frailer individuals.

The “Prevention and Treatment of Pressure Ulcers: Quick Reference Guide” (2016) published by the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (EPUAP), the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel and the Pan Pacific Pressure Injury Alliance includes recommendations on strategies to treat pressure ulcers. Apart from the use of bed rest, pressure redistributing support surfaces, repositioning and nutritional support, the recommendation also relate to wound care, in particular through debridement and wound dressings, as well as to the use of other agents, such as anabolic steroids, negative pressure wound therapy, phototherapy, support surfaces, reconstructive surgery, ultrasound, topical phenytoin and pressure relieving devices. However, the efficacy of these treatments is no† established ye† and alternative treatments are still need, in particular treatments which would allow †o reconstruct a functional, elastic, skin.

The present invention arises from the unexpected finding, by the inventors, of a novel cell population derived from mucosal tissues, which has excellent skin reconstruction promoting properties in damaged skin, in particular as regards the reconstruction the elastin network, while essentially lacking stem cells.

As such, the present invention relates †o an isolated mammalian cell population wherein:

- a† leas† about 90% of the cells of the population express THY1 , CD99 and CD63;

- about 10% or less of the cells of the population express CD34 and PTPRC. Advantageously, the mammalian cell population as defined above has a high proliferative index.

The present invention also relates †o a cell culture comprising an isolated mammalian cell population as defined above in a liquid cell culture medium.

The present invention also relates †o a product derived from the isolated mammalian cell population as defined above.

The present invention also relates †o a pharmaceutical or cosmetic composition comprising the isolated mammalian cell population as defined above, the cell culture as defined above or the product derived from the isolated mammalian cell population as defined above, and optionally a† leas† one pharmaceutically or cosmetically acceptable carrier or excipient.

The present invention also relates †o the isolated mammalian cell population as defined above, the cell culture as defined above, the product derived from the isolated mammalian cell population as defined above or the pharmaceutical composition as defined above, for use as a medicament.

The present invention also relates †o the isolated mammalian cell population as defined above, the cell culture as defined above, the product derived from the isolated mammalian cell population as defined above or the pharmaceutical composition as defined above, for use in a method of treating a skin wound or lesion, or in a method of skin reconstruction. The present invention also relates †o the isolated mammalian cell population as defined above, the cell culture as defined above, the product derived from the isolated mammalian cell population as defined above, or the pharmaceutical composition as defined above, for use in a method of treating a degradation of an elastin network.

The present invention also relates †o the cosmetic use of the isolated mammalian cell population as defined above, the cell culture as defined above, the product derived from the isolated mammalian cell population as defined above or the pharmaceutical composition as defined above, for treating loss of skin elasticity.

As intended herein, the term “comprising” has the meaning of “including” or “containing”, which means †ha† when an object “comprises” one or several elements, other elements than those mentioned may also be comprised in the object. In contras†, when an object is said †o “consist of” one or several elements, the object is limited †o the listed elements and cannot comprise other elements than those mentioned.

Cell population

THY1 is also known as CD90.

CD99 is also known as MIC2 or single-chain †ype-l glycoprotein.

CD63 is also known as LAMP-3.

CD34 is known as a mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) marker.

PTPRC, which stands for Protein tyrosine phosphatase, receptor type, C, is also known as CD45.

Preferably, a† leas† 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95% or 96% of the cells of the isolated mammalian cell population as defined above express THY1 .

Preferably, a† leas† 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95% or 96% of the cells of the isolated mammalian cell population as defined above express CD99.

Preferably, a† leas† 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95% or 96% of the cells of the isolated mammalian cell population as defined above express CD63.

Preferably, about 10% or less of the cells of the isolated mammalian cell population as defined above express a† leas† one mRNA selected from the group consisting of MCAM, VCAM1 , CD19, ITGAM, CD3D, CD4, FZD9, NGFR, NANOG, POU5Fl, SOX2, KLF4, MYC, TNF, ILIA, IL1 B, IL17A, IL23A, OSM, IFI27, IFI44L, RSAD2, IFIT1, IFNA1 and IFNG mRNAs.

Preferably, a† leas† about 50% of the cells of the isolated mammalian cell population as defined above express af leas† one mRNA selected from the group consisting of TIMP1, CD9, CD81 , THY, ITGB1 , FST, and COL1 A2 mRNAs, more preferably af leas† about 90% of the cells of the isolated mammalian cell population as defined above express fhe TIMPl mRNA. TIMP1 stands for TIMP mefallopepfidase inhibitor 1 .

Preferably, the isolated mammalian cell population as defined above comprises essentially no stem cells.

Preferably, essentially all the cells of the isolated mammalian cell population as defined above have an undifferentiated phenotype, more preferably a fibroblast-like phenotype.

Preferably, the isolated mammalian cell population as defined above originates from a mucosa, more preferably from the oral mucosa, in particular from the mucosa of the cheek, of the tongue, of the palate, of the labial mucosa, of the sublingual mucosa, or of the gingiva. The procedure for taking a sample or a biopsy from a mucosa is well known to the person skilled in the art. Generally, the cells of the biopsy are separated by enzymatic digestion before being expanded.

The isolated mammalian cell population as defined above can derive from any mammal, such as a domestic animal, e.g. selected from the group consisting of an equine, in particular a horse, of a camelid, in particular a camel, a dromedary or a llama, of a bovine, of a caprine, of a canine, in particular a dog, of a feline, in particular a cat, and of a Mustelidae. However, it is preferred that the isolated mammalian cell population as defined above is a human cell population.

Preferably, the cell population according the invention is heterologous, which means it is taken from another individual than the one in whom the composition is used. As one of skill in the art will well understand, the individual from whom the cells are taken and the individual to whom the cells are administered are preferably of the same species, however they can be of different species.

Preferably also, the cell population according to the invention is autologous, which means it is taken from the same individual than the one in whom the composition is used. The cell population can present in various forms, such as a suspension in a liquid, e.g. a physiological solution, PBS or a cell culture medium, a culture on a solid culture medium, ora pellet, in particular a centrifugation pellet.

Preferably, the isolated mammalian cell population as defined above has been submitted †o a† leas† one culture step in a culture medium comprising animal serum, in particular fetal animal serum, such as Fetal Calf Serum (FCS) or Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS), a† a concentration of from 15% to 30% or of from 15% to 25%. Preferably, the culture medium comprises the animal serum, in particular FCS or FBS, a† a concentration of from 15% to 30%, 16% to 30%, 17% to 30%, 18% to 30%, 19% to 30%, 20% to 30%, 21 % †o 30%, 22% †o 30%, 23% to 30%, 24% †o 30% or 25% to 30%. Preferably also, the culture medium comprises the animal serum, in particular FCS or FBS, a† a concentration of from 15% to 25%, 16% to 25%, 17% to 25%, 18% to 25%, 19% to 25%, 20% to 25%, 21% †o 25%, 22% †o 25%, 23% to 25%, or 24% †o 25%. As will clear †o the person of skill in the ar†, the % is expressed as % v/v.

Cell culture

I† is well within the common skills of one of ordinary skill in the ar† †o determine which culture medium is suitable for mammalian cells. In particular, the culture can be of any type known †o one of ordinary skill in the ar† †o sustain survival and/or growth of mammalian cells. By way of example of suitable culture medium according †o the invention stand Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle’s Medium (DMEM), Eagle’s Minimum Essential Medium (MEM or EMEM), Eagle’s Minimum Essential Medium Alpha Modification (Alpha MEM) and Basal Medium Eagle (BME).

In an embodiment, the culture medium further comprise a† leas† one animal serum, in particular fetal animal serum, such as Fetal Calf Serum (FCS) or Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS), in particular a† a concentration of from 5% to 30%, more particularly a† a concentration of from 10% to 20% and most preferably a† a concentration of from 15% to 30% or of from 15% to 25%. Preferably, the culture medium comprises the animal serum, in particular FCS or FBS, a† a concentration of from 15% to 30%, 16% to 30%, 17% to 30%, 18% to 30%, 19% to 30%, 20% to 30%, 21 % †o 30%, 22% †o 30%, 23% to 30%, 24% to 30% or 25% to 30%. Preferably also, the culture medium comprises the animal serum, in particular FCS or FBS, a† a concentration of from 15% to 25%, 16% to 25%, 17% to 25%, 18% to 25%, 19% to 25%, 20% to 25%, 21 % †o 25%, 22% †o 25%, 23% to 25%, or 24% †o 25%. As will clear †o the person of skill in the ar†, the % is expressed as % v/v. In another embodiment, the liquid cell culture medium as defined above is an animal serum-free culture medium. Alternatively, the cells can be cultivated with animal serum but the animal serum is retrieved from the cell culture, e.g. by washing the cells, before use in a therapeutic or cosmetic application according †o the invention.

In an embodiment of the invention, the cell population of the invention is cultivated in the presence of an inflammatory cytokine, such as IL-Ib, prior †o being used in a therapeutic or cosmetic application according †o the invention. The concentration of the inflammatory cytokine, in particular IL-I b, in the culture medium can be from 0.1 ng/ml †o 10 ng/ml, more preferably from 0.5 ng/ml †o 2 ng/ml. The inflammatory cytokine, in particular IL-1 b, can be retrieved from the cell culture, e.g. by washing the cells, before use in a therapeutic or cosmetic application according †o the invention. Conditions for culturing mammalian cells can be easily determined by the person of skill in the art. By way of example, the cells can be grown a† 37°C in 5% CO2.

The cell culture of the invention can be concentrated e.g. by filtration or by centrifugation. In particular, the cell culture can be concentrated 2, 5, 10, 25 or 50 times with respect †o the unconcenfrafed cell culture from which if derives

Derived product

As intended herein, the “product derived from the isolated mammalian cell population” relates †o any product which can be obtained from the cell population in itself or which contains secretions from the cell population. Preferably, the product derived from the isolated mammalian cell population is a cell extract or a cell population conditioned medium.

The extract can be obtained by any cell fragmentation method known in the art. Preferably, the cell extract according †o the invention is selected from the group consisting of a membrane extract, a cytoplasmic extract or a nuclear extract. Preferably, the conditioned medium according †o the invention relates †o a liquid cell- culture medium which has been contacted by cells of the cell population, in particular for a time sufficient for the cells †o have secreted in the medium. Thus, the conditioned medium according †o the invention contains secretions of cells of the isolated mammalian cell population according †o the invention. Preferably, the cells have been in contact with the culture medium for a† leas† 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 24, 36 or 48 hours. Preferably also, the cell have been in contact with the culture medium for less than 72, 56 or 48 hours. The conditioned medium according to the invention can be subjected to treatment steps such as centrifugation, filtration, or concentration. In particular, the conditioned medium according †o the invention can be a concentrated conditioned medium, more particularly a conditioned medium concentrated 2, 5, 10, 25 or 50 times with respect †o the unconcenfrafed conditioned medium from which if derives.

Compositions

As one of skill in the art understands well, the composition according †o the invention comprises the cell population according †o the invention in a prophylacfically or therapeutically effective amount.

Preferably, the composition according †o the invention comprises from 5 million †o 40 million cells according †o the invention, more preferably from 10 million †o 30 million cells according †o the invention, even more preferably from 15 to 25 million cells according †o the invention, and most preferably about 20 million cells according †o the invention. The quantification of the cells according †o the invention may be performed by any method for counting mammalian cells known †o one of skill in the art and in particular using a cell counter machine.

The composition can be under any from suitable for its use. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the composition is under an injectable form, in particular for injection with a syringe. In another embodiment. In another embodiment of the invention, the composition is under a form suitable for a topical administration. In that case, the composition is preferably under the form of a lotions, a cream, an ointment, a gel, a spray, a wipe, a dressing, a pad ora patch.

Therapeutic use

Preferably, the isolated mammalian cell population as defined above, the cell culture as defined above, the product derived from the isolated mammalian cell population as defined above, the cell culture as defined above or the pharmaceutical composition as defined above is for use in a method of treating a chronic wound or lesion, a surgical wound, a pressure ulcer, a venous ulcer, an inflammatory skin lesion or a skin burn.

As intended herein a "skin wound or lesion" relates †o any rupture of the epidermis and/or the dermis. Surgical wounds are wounds voluntarily made during a surgical procedure. Such surgical wounds notably encompass wounds occurring in the course of plastic and reconstructive surgery or scar revision wounds (e.g. hypertrophic scars). The plastic and reconstructive surgery procedures can be of any type, e.g. breast surgery, abdominal surgery, nose surgery, ear surgery, or removal of skin defects. As intended herein, skin defects relate †o an abnormal skin formation found in genetically predisposed individuals, or †o the consequences of an abnormal skin development during embryogenesis, and notably comprise giant naevi, cheiloschisis, and keloids. As intended herein "treating a skin wound" relates †o the promotion, the acceleration, or the improvement of healing a† the wounded site, i.e. the formation of a functional skin a† the wounded site. As intended herein a "functional skin" relates †o skin having in particular recovered its mechanical properties and its barrier function, with respect †o non-wounded skin areas.

Preferably, the inflammatory skin lesion is due †o an inflammatory skin disease, in particular †o a chronic inflammatory skin disease. Preferably also the inflammatory skin disease is selected from the group consisting of dermatitis, inflammatory skin rash, ichthyosis and psoriasis.

Dermatitis refers †o a group of pruritic chronic inflammatory skin diseases well known †o the one of ordinary skill in the art and which are notably defined in classes L20 to L30 in the 10^th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) 2016 version by the World Health Organization.

Dermatitis according †o the invention is thus preferably selected form the group consisting of:

Atopic dermatitis (e.g. L20 ICD-10),

Seborrhoeic dermatitis (e.g. L21 ICD-10),

Diaper dermatitis (e.g. L22 ICD-10),

Allergic contact dermatitis (e.g. L23 ICD-10),

Irritant contact dermatitis (e.g. L24 ICD-10),

Unspecified contact dermatitis (e.g. L25 ICD-10),

Exfoliative dermatitis (e.g. L26 ICD-10),

Dermatitis due †o substances taken infernally (e.g. L27 ICD-10),

Lichen simplex chronicus and prurigo (e.g. L28 ICD-10), and - Pruritus (e.g. L29 ICD-10).

As intended herein atopic dermatitis is also named eczema. The chronic inflammatory disease is preferably selected from the group consisting of rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus and multiple sclerosis.

Inflammatory skin rash according to the invention is notably defined in class R21 of ICD-10. Ichthyosis according to the invention is notably defined in classes L85 and Q80 of ICD-10. Psoriasis according to the invention is notably defined in class L40 of ICD-10. Lupus erythematosus according to the invention is notably defined is class L93 of ICD- 10. Asthma according to the invention is notably defined is class J45 of ICD-10. rheumatoid arthritis according to the invention is notably defined in class M06 of ICD- 10. Iritis according to the invention is notably defined in class HI 9 of ICD-10. Multiple sclerosis according to the invention is notably defined in class G35 of ICD-10. Preferably, the isolated mammalian cell population as defined above, the cell culture as defined above, the product derived from the isolated mammalian cell population as defined above, the cell culture as defined above or the pharmaceutical composition as defined above is administered in a prophylactically or therapeutically effective amount. Preferably also, the isolated mammalian cell population as defined above, the cell culture as defined above, the product derived from the isolated mammalian cell population as defined above, the cell culture as defined above or the pharmaceutical composition as defined above is administered in a cosmetically effective amount.

The administration the isolated mammalian cell population as defined above, the cell culture as defined above, the product derived from the isolated mammalian cell population as defined above, the cell culture as defined above or the pharmaceutical composition as defined above can proceed by any method known in the art. Preferably, the administration of the isolated mammalian cell population as defined above, the cell culture as defined above, the product derived from the isolated mammalian cell population as defined above, the cell culture as defined above or the pharmaceutical composition as defined above is at a site near or on the skin area to be treated. More preferably, the isolated mammalian cell population as defined above, the cell culture as defined above, the product derived from the isolated mammalian cell population as defined above, the cell culture as defined above or the pharmaceutical composition as defined above is administered subcutaneously, intravenously, intramuscularly, intra-derma lly or topically, near or on the skin area to be treated. Most preferably, the isolated mammalian cell population as defined above, the cell culture as defined above, the product derived from the isolated mammalian cell population as defined above, the cell culture as defined above or the pharmaceutical composition as defined above is administered topically. Preferably, the skin area †o be treated according †o the invention refers †o a site where one or more lesions of skin according †o the invention are visible or in close proximity of this site.

Preferably, the method of preventing or treating an individual according †o the invention comprises the following steps:

Taking cells from an individual;

Culturing the cells;

Administering the cells or the cell culture †o the individual or †o another individual.

Cosmetic use

As intended herein, “cosmetically acceptable carrier or excipient” refers †o any material which is suitable with a cosmetic composition. Preferably, the cosmetically acceptable carrier or excipient is suitable for a topical administration.

The cosmetically acceptable carrier or excipient according †o the invention include but is no† limited †o any of the standard cosmetic carrier or excipient known †o one of ordinary skill in the ar† such as water, vegetal oil, mineral oil, fa††y acid alcohol and natural waxes.

Individual

Preferably, the individual according †o the invention is a non-human animal, in particular a domestic animal, more preferably selected from the group consisting of an equine, in particular a horse, of a camelid, in particular a camel, a dromedary or a llama, of a bovine, of a caprine, of a canine, in particular a dog, of a feline, in particular a ca†, and of a Mustelidae.

Preferably also, the individual according †o the invention is a human. In this case, the individual can be an infant, a child, an adolescent, an adult or an elderly individual.

The invention will be further explained in a non-limiting manner by the following Figure and Examples. Description of the figures

Figure 1 represents the evolution of the size of the ulcer (vertical axis in %, 100% of day 0) as a function of time (horizontal axis, in days) for PBS, haMSCs, the cell population of the invention (cells) and the cell population of the invention (cells) cultivated in the presence of I L-l b.

Figure 2 represents the thickness of the epidermis for normal skin, PBS, haMSCs, the cell population of the invention (cells) and the cell population of the invention (cells) cultivated in the presence of IL-Ib. The star symbol (***) represents a statistically significant difference.

Figure 3 represents the percentage of fropoelasfin (vertical axis in %) in granulating tissue for PBS and the cell population of the invention (cells) cultivated in the presence of IL-Ib. The star symbol (***) represents a statistically significant difference.

Examples

Example 1

Preparation of the cell population of the invention A biopsy of approximately 30 to 60 mg of oral mucosa is taken from a human individual. It is then digested enzymatically to yield a cell suspension. After counting the suspension, a flask of 75 cm² is inoculated with about 2 to 5x10^s cells in complete culture medium (DMEM 4.5 g/l glucose + Glutamax (Gibco®), fetal calf serum (FCS) (Gibco®) 20%, in the presence of antibiotics/antimycotics) and is incubated at 37°C in 5% CO2 atmosphere up to 90% confluence by changing the culture medium regularly.

The cells are then recovered and about 2 to 5x10^s cells are used to inoculate 25 ml of complete medium in flasks of 150 cm². A first passage incubation is then carried out at 37°C under a 5% CO2 atmosphere by regularly changing the culture medium until reaching 90% confluence.

4 other passages are made. After the 5^th passage the cells are centrifuged, washed in 10 ml of DMEM 0% FCS medium without antibiotics/antimycotics, centrifuged and taken in a volume of approximately 3 to 5 ml to yield approximately from 15 to 25^x10⁶ cells.

Example 2

Single nuclei RNA-seauencina of the cell population of the invention A single nuclei RNA-sequencing (snRNAseq) of the cell population of the invention was performed. The snRNAseq method was originally described in Grindberg e†al. (2013) Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA 110:19802-19807 and is well known †o the person skilled in the art.

Example 3

Protein expressed by the cell population of the invention

The expression of certain proteins was determined by Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting (FACS).

Example 4

Treatment of pressure ulcers by the cell population according to the invention The therapeutic efficacy of the cell population of the invention was evaluated in a mouse model of pressure ulcer.

The pressure ulcer model used was described by Stadler et al. (2004) J. Invest. Surg. 17:221-7 and Strong etal. (2015) Plast. Reconstr. Surg. Glob. Open 3:e334.

Briefly, the skin of NOD SCID mice (Janvier Lab) was gently pulled and placed between two round ceramic magnetic plates. The resultant "pinch" procedure was designed †o leave a skin bridge between the magnets, creating pressure between the plates. Two 12-h ischemia-reperfusion cycles were employed †o cause pressure ulcer formation. Mice (n = 4 per group) were divided info 4 groups: PBS, 10⁶ human adipocyte mesenchymal stem cells (haMSCs), 10⁶ cells of the cell population and 10⁶ cells of the cell population of the invention passaged once in presence of I ng/mL IL-Ib (ThermoFisher). The cells were centrifuged and resuspended in a total volume of 100 mί of sterile PBS and injected subcutaneously info each wound (a† the fourth cardinal point of the wound). The injection site was a† the periphery of the wound, and the needle was guided †o the base of the wounds where the PBS or the cells were delivered. Each mouse received a total volume of 200 mί ( 100 mί per wound, 25mί per injection).

Figure 1 shows that the cell population of the invention is equivalent †o MSCs †o promote healing and that the therapeutic potency of the cell population according the invention can be further improved by cultivating the cells in the presence of IL-1 b. Figure 2 shows that the cell population of the invention has superior skin cicatrisation properties as if promotes the reconstruction of an epidermis having a thickness close †o that of undamaged skin.

Figure 3 shows that the cell population of the invention promotes the reconstruction of a high density elasfin network within the granulation tissue.

Claims

1. An isolated mammalian cell population wherein:

- at least about 90% of the cells of the population express THY1 , CD99 and CD63;

- about 10% or less of the cells of the population express CD34 and PTPRC.

2. The isolated mammalian cell population of claim 1, wherein about 10% or less of the cells of the population express a† leas† one mRNA selected from the group consisting of MCAM, VCAM1 , CD19, ITGAM, CD3D, CD4, FZD9, NGFR, NANOG, POU5F1, SOX2, KLF4, MYC, TNF, ILIA, IL1 B, IL17A, IL23A, OSM, IFI27, IFI44L, RSAD2, IFIT1, IFNA1 and IFNG mRNAs.

3. The isolated mammalian cell population of claim 1 or 2, wherein a† leas† about 50% of the cells of the population express a† leas† one mRNA selected from the group consisting of TIMP1 , CD9, CD81, THY, ITGB1, FST, and COL1A2 mRNAs.

4. The isolated mammalian cell population of any one of claims 1 †o 3, wherein the population comprises essentially no stem cells.

5. The isolated mammalian cell population of any one of claims 1 †o 4, wherein essentially all the cells of the population have a fibroblast-like phenotype.

6. The isolated mammalian cell population of any one of claims 1 †o 5, wherein the population originates from a mucosa.

7. The isolated mammalian cell population of any one claims 1 †o 6, wherein the mammalian cell population is a human cell population.

8. A cell culture comprising an isolated mammalian cell population according †o any one of claims 1 †o 7 in a liquid cell culture medium.

9. The cell culture of claim 8, wherein the liquid cell culture medium is an animal serum- free culture medium.

10. A pharmaceutical or cosmetic composition comprising the isolated mammalian cell population of any one of claims 1 †o 7 or the cell culture of claims 8 and 9, and optionally a† leas† one pharmaceutically or cosmetically acceptable carrier or excipient.

11. The isolated mammalian cell population of any one of claims 1 †o 7, the cell culture of claims 8 and 9 or the pharmaceutical composition of claim 10, for use as a medicament.

12. The isolated mammalian cell population of any one of claims 1 †o 7, the cell culture of claims 8 and 9 or the pharmaceutical composition of claim 10, for use in a method of treating a skin wound or lesion, or in a method of skin reconstruction in an individual.

13. The isolated mammalian cell population of any one of claims 1 †o 7, the cell culture of claims 8 and 9 or the pharmaceutical composition of claim 10, for use in a method of treating a chronic wound or lesion, a surgical wound, a pressure ulcer, a venous ulcer, an inflammatory skin lesion or a skin burn in an individual.

14. The isolated mammalian cell population of any one of claims 1 †o 7, the cell culture of claims 8 and 9 or the pharmaceutical composition of claim 10, for use in a method of treating a degradation of an elastin network in an individual.

15. The cosmetic use of the isolated mammalian cell population of any one of claims 1 †o 7, the cell culture of claims 8 and 9 or the pharmaceutical composition of claim 10, for treating loss of skin elasticity in an individual.