F. Mensah

Effects of hypoxia on the immunomodulatory properties of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells

Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASC) are of great interest as a cellular therapeutic agent for regenerative and immunomodulatory purposes. The function of ASC adapts to environmental conditions, such as oxygen tension. Oxygen levels within tissues are typically much lower than under standard culture conditions and ASC used for therapy therefore encounter a change from normoxic to hypoxic conditions. The effect of hypoxia on the regenerative potential of ASC has been investigated in a number of studies. The effect of hypoxia on the immunomodulatory function of ASC, however, remains to be determined. In the present study the effect of hypoxic (1% oxygen) culture conditions on human ASC was examined. ASC showed no signs of toxicity under low oxygen levels and no major immunophenotypical changes were observed, apart from a down regulation of the marker CD105. Oxygen tension had no effect on the proliferation of ASC and colony forming unit efficiency remained the same under 1 and 20% oxygen. Under both oxygen levels ASC were capable of strong upregulation of the immunomodulatory molecules indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) and programed death ligand-1 upon stimulation with IFN-γ and TNF-α, and, in addition, IDO activity as measured by the accumulation of l-kynurenine was not affected under hypoxia. The ability of ASC to inhibit anti-CD3/CD28 stimulated CD4+ and CD8+ T cell proliferation was not hampered by hypoxia. The results of the present study demonstrate that the immunosuppressive capacity of ASC is maintained under hypoxic conditions. These findings are important for the therapeutic use of ASC and may be applied for the in vitro generation of ASC with improved functionality for therapeutic use.

Human Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Abrogate Plasmablast Formation and Induce Regulatory B Cells Independently of T Helper Cells

Mesenchymal or stromal stem cells (MSC) interact with cells of the immune system in multiple ways. Modulation of the immune system by MSC is believed to be a therapeutic option for autoimmune disease and transplant rejection. In recent years, B cells have moved into the focus of the attention as targets for the treatment of immune disorders. Current B‐cell targeting treatment is based on the indiscriminate depletion of B cells. The aim of this study was to examine whether human adipose tissue‐derived MSC (ASC) interact with B cells to affect their proliferation, differentiation, and immune function. ASC supported the survival of quiescent B cells predominantly via contact‐dependent mechanisms. Coculture of B cells with activated T helper cells led to proliferation and differentiation of B cells into CD19+CD27highCD38high antibody‐producing plasmablasts. ASC inhibited the proliferation of B cells and this effect was dependent on the presence of T cells. In contrast, ASC directly targeted B‐cell differentiation, independently of T cells. In the presence of ASC, plasmablast formation was reduced and IL‐10‐producing CD19+CD24highCD38high B cells, known as regulatory B cells, were induced. These results demonstrate that ASC affect B cell biology in vitro, suggesting that they can be a tool for the modulation of the B‐cell response in immune disease. Stem Cells 2015;33:880–891

Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Solid Organ Transplantation (MiSOT) Fourth Meeting: Lessons Learned from First Clinical Trials

The Fourth Expert Meeting of the Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Solid Organ Transplantation (MiSOT) Consortium took place in Barcelona on October 19 and 20, 2012. This meeting focused on the translation of preclinical data into early clinical settings. This position paper highlights the main topics explored on the safety and efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells as a therapeutic agent in solid organ transplantation and emphasizes the issues (proper timing, concomitant immunossupression, source and immunogenicity of mesenchymal stem cells, and oncogenicity) that have been addressed and will be followed up by the MiSOT Consortium in future studies.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells Induce an Inflammatory Response After Intravenous Infusion

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have potent immunosuppressive effects in vitro and are considered as a therapeutic option for autoimmune disease and organ transplantation. While MSCs show beneficial effects on immune disease progression and transplant survival in animal models, the immunomodulatory mechanisms involved are largely unknown. In the present study, we show that intravenously infused C57BL/6- green fluorescent protein (GFP) MSCs home to the lungs in C57BL/6 recipient mice and induce an inflammatory response. This response was characterized by increased mRNA expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP1), IL1-β, and TNF-α and an increase in macrophages in lung tissue 2 h after MSC infusion. Simultaneously, serum levels of proinflammatory IL6, CXCL1, and MCP1 protein increased, demonstrating systemic immune activation after MSC infusion. In liver tissue, no C57BL/6-GFP MSCs were detected, but MCP1 and TNF-α mRNA levels peaked 4 h after MSC infusion. The expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokines TGF-β, IL4, and IL10 was only marginally affected. Nevertheless, 3 days after MSC infusion, animals developed a milder inflammatory response to lipopolysaccharides. Our results suggest that the in vivo immunomodulatory effects of MSCs originate from an inflammatory response that is induced by the infusion of MSCs, which is followed by a phase of reduced immune reactivity.

Mesenchymal stem cells derived from adipose tissue are not affected by renal disease

Mesenchymal stem cells are a potential therapeutic agent in renal disease and kidney transplantation. Autologous cell use in kidney transplantation is preferred to avoid anti-HLA reactivity; however, the influence of renal disease on mesenchymal stem cells is unknown. To investigate the feasibility of autologous cell therapy in patients with renal disease, we isolated these cells from subcutaneous adipose tissue of healthy controls and patients with renal disease and compared them phenotypically and functionally. The mesenchymal stem cells from both groups showed similar morphology and differentiation capacity, and were both over 90% positive for CD73, CD105, and CD166, and negative for CD31 and CD45. They demonstrated comparable population doubling times, rates of apoptosis, and were both capable of inhibiting allo-antigen- and anti-CD3/CD28-activated peripheral blood mononuclear cell proliferation. In response to immune activation they both increased the expression of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory factors. These mesenchymal stem cells were genetically stable after extensive expansion and, importantly, were not affected by uremic serum. Thus, mesenchymal stem cells of patients with renal disease have similar characteristics and functionality as those from healthy controls. Hence, our results indicate the feasibility of their use in autologous cell therapy in patients with renal disease.