[The hematopoietic stem cell: biology and clinical applications]

The hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are defined as cells that are able of both self-renewal and multilineage reconstitution of the hematopoietic system. Their biological properties and, similarly, the gene regulation, the positive and negative factors of the hematopoietic progenitor cells and the models of the hematopoietic amplification in the murine system are described. The clinical relevance of HCS has been obtained by the characterization and function of the CD34 cell surface molecule. The methods of isolation, selection and purification of HCS, the clinical use (particularly the mobilization of peripheral CD34+ cells) are detailed. Finally the potential advantages and use of HCS in vivo expansion are described.