Published:
Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2016
Published in:
Stem Cell Research & Therapy, 7 (2016) 1
Language:
English
DOI:
10.1186/s13287-016-0285-4
ISSN:
1757-6512
Origination:
Footnote:
Description:
<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:sec>
<jats:title>Background</jats:title>
<jats:p>The characteristics and therapeutic potential of subtypes of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are largely unknown. In this study, CD146<jats:sup>+</jats:sup> and CD146<jats:sup>–</jats:sup> MSCs were separated from human umbilical cords, and their effects on regulatory T cells (Tregs), Th17 cells, chondrogenesis, and osteogenesis were investigated.</jats:p>
</jats:sec><jats:sec>
<jats:title>Methods</jats:title>
<jats:p>Flow cytometry was used to quantify IL-6 and TGF-β1 expressed on CD146<jats:sup>+</jats:sup> and CD146<jats:sup>–</jats:sup> MSCs. The therapeutic potential of both subpopulations was determined by measuring the clinical score and joint histology after intra-articular (IA) transfer of the cells into mice with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA).</jats:p>
</jats:sec><jats:sec>
<jats:title>Results</jats:title>
<jats:p>Compared with CD146<jats:sup>–</jats:sup> MSCs, CD146<jats:sup>+</jats:sup> MSCs expressed less IL-6 and had a significantly greater effect on chondrogenesis. After T lymphocyte activation, Th17 cells were activated when exposed to CD146<jats:sup>–</jats:sup> cells but not when exposed to CD146<jats:sup>+</jats:sup> cells both <jats:italic>in vitro and in vivo</jats:italic>. IA injection of CD146<jats:sup>+</jats:sup> MSCs attenuated the progression of CIA. Immunohistochemistry showed that only HLA-A<jats:sup>+</jats:sup> CD146<jats:sup>+</jats:sup> cells were detected in the cartilage of CIA mice. These cells may help preserve proteoglycan expression.</jats:p>
</jats:sec><jats:sec>
<jats:title>Conclusions</jats:title>
<jats:p>This study suggests that CD146<jats:sup>+</jats:sup> cells have greater potency than CD146<jats:sup>–</jats:sup> cells for cartilage protection and can suppress Th17 cell activation. These data suggest a potential therapeutic application for CD146<jats:sup>+</jats:sup> cells in treating inflammatory arthritis.</jats:p>
</jats:sec>