Human iPSC-MSC-Derived Xenografts Modulate Immune Responses by Inhibiting the Cleavage of Caspases

Stem Cells. 2017 Jul;35(7):1719-1732. doi: 10.1002/stem.2638. Epub 2017 May 18.

Abstract

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) negatively modulate immune properties. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)-derived MSCs are alternative source of MSCs. However, the effects of iPSC-MSCs on T cells phenotypes in vivo remain unclear. We established an iPSC-MSC-transplanted host versus graft reaction mouse model using subcapsular kidney injection. Th1, Th2, regulatory T cells (Treg), and Th17 phenotypes and their cytokines were investigated in vivo and in vitro. The role of caspases and the soluble factors involved in the effects of MSCs were examined. We found that iPSC-MSC grafts led to more cell survival and less infiltration of inflammatory cells in mice. iPSC-MSC transplantation inhibited T cell proliferation, decreased Th1 and Th2 phenotypes and cytokines, upregulated Th17 and Treg subsets. Moreover, iPSC-MSCs inhibited the cleavage of caspases 3 and 8 and inhibition of caspases downregulated Th1, Th2 responses and upregulated Th17, Treg responses. Soluble factors were determined using protein array and TGF-β1/2/3, IL-10, and MCP-1 were found to be highly expressed in iPSC-MSCs. The administration of the soluble factors decreased Th1/2 response, upregulated Treg response and inhibited the cleavage of caspases. Our results demonstrate that iPSC-MSCs regulate T cell responses as a result of a combined action of the above soluble factors secreted by iPSC-MSCs. These factors suppress T cell responses by inhibiting the cleavage of caspases. These data provide a novel immunomodulatory mechanism for the underlying iPSC-MSC-based immunomodulatory effects on T cell responses. Stem Cells 2017;35:1719-1732.

Keywords: Caspase; Immune; MSC; Regulatory T cells; T helper cell.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Caspases / genetics
  • Caspases / immunology*
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Chemokine CCL2 / genetics
  • Chemokine CCL2 / immunology
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells / cytology
  • Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells / immunology
  • Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells / transplantation
  • Humans
  • Immunomodulation*
  • Immunophenotyping
  • Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells / immunology
  • Interleukin-10 / genetics
  • Interleukin-10 / immunology
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation*
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / immunology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Signal Transduction
  • Subrenal Capsule Assay
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / cytology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology
  • Th1 Cells / cytology
  • Th1 Cells / immunology
  • Th17 Cells / cytology
  • Th17 Cells / immunology
  • Th2 Cells / cytology
  • Th2 Cells / immunology
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / genetics
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / immunology
  • Transplantation, Heterologous

Substances

  • Ccl2 protein, mouse
  • Chemokine CCL2
  • IL10 protein, mouse
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta
  • Interleukin-10
  • Caspases