Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may be obtained from umbilical cord as an abundant and noninvasive source. However, the immunomodulatory properties of umbilical cord-MSCs (UC-MSCs) were poorly studied. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of UC-MSCs on B-cell proliferation and differentiation. UC-MSCs were found to suppress the proliferation of B cells isolated from murine spleen. Moreover, UC-MSCs markedly suppressed B-cell differentiation as shown by the decreased number of CD138+cells and reduced levels of IgM and IgG production in coculture. As revealed by transwell experiments, soluble factors produced by UC-MSCs might be involved in mediating B-cell suppression. The Blimp-1 mRNA expression was suppressed whereas the PAX-5 mRNA expression was induced in coculture. Finally, UC-MSCs modified the phosphorylation pattern of Akt and p38 pathways, which were involved in B-cell proliferation and differentiation. These results may further support the potential therapeutic use of UC-MSCs in treating autoimmune disorders.
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