T cell suppression by mesenchymals of different sources

Seattle, WA-

The ability of mesenchymal stem cells to suppress the immune system is well-known. However, few studies, if any, have compared immune suppressive efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells from different sources. In a recent study (Keyser et al. Comparison of mesenchymal stem cells from different tissues to suppress T-cell activation. Cell Transplant. 2007;16(5):555-62) mesenchymal stem cells from adipose tissue, muscle, omentum, and bone marrow where compared for immune suppressive function.

Mesenchymal stem cells from the different sources where co-cultured with mitogen activated T cells, as well as alloreactive T cells, and proliferative response was used as a measure of immune activation.

The scientists found that mitogen induced T cell proliferation was most potently inhibited by mesenchymal stem cells derived from the muscle.

Alloreactive T cells were most potently inhibited by mesenchymal stem cells derived from the fat tissue.

These data support the investigation of mesenchymal stem cells from other sources besides bone marrow.