Figure 3

Schematic representations of each hematopoietic cell lineage with respect to their applications and disease-treatment potentials. After pre-hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) commit to mature HSCs, multipotent progenitor (MPP) cells are generated with the potential to further differentiate into two major lineages: common myeloid progenitor (CMP) and common lymphoid progenitor (CLP). In myeloid lineage, CMP will further divide into megakaryocyte–erythroid progenitor (MEP) and granulocyte/monocyte progenitor (GMP), finally committing to mature blood cells comprising of erythrocytes, megakaryocyte → platelets, monocyte → macrophages and granulocytes (neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils). In lymphoid lineage, CLP will further differentiate into B-cell and T-cell and natural killer (NK) cell progenitors, with a final commitment to mature B cells, T cells and NK cells. Each lineage serves as a powerful regenerative tool, including treatment for hemoglobinopathies (anemia, thalassemia), thrombocytopenia, leukocyte and immunodeficient-related diseases. This model might also clarify the molecular mechanism behind certain disorders, for example atherosclerotic lesions.