In Vitro Transdifferentiation Potential of Equine Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Schwann-Like Cells

In Vitro Immunomodulatory Effects of Equine Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Primed with a Cannabidiol-Rich Extract

Cell-based therapy using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) shows promise for treating several diseases due to their anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. To enhance the therapeutic potential of MSCs, in vitro priming strategies have been explored. Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound derived from cannabis, may influence MSC proliferation, differentiation, and immunomodulatory properties. This study evaluates the immunomodulatory potential of equine adipose tissue-derived MSCs (EqAT-MSCs) primed with a CBD-rich cannabis extract. EqAT-MSCs (P3) were primed with CBD concentrations of 5 µM and 7 µM for 24 h. Morphological analysis, MTT assay, β-galactosidase activity, apoptosis assays, and gene expression of interleukins IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were conducted. Additionally, cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and 2 (CB2) expression were evaluated in naïve EqAT-MSCs (P2-P5). The naïve EqAT-MSCs expressed CB1 and CB2 receptors. Priming with 5 µM significantly increased the expression of IL-10, TNF-α, and IFN-γ, while 7 µM decreased IL-1β and IL-6 expression. No significant changes were observed in other cytokines, MTT, β-galactosidase activity, or apoptosis. These findings demonstrate that naïve EqAT-MSCs express CB1 and CB2 receptors and priming with the extract modulates the expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, highlighting its potential immunomodulatory role in EqAT-MSC-based therapies.

Perspectives on Schwann-like cells derived from bone marrow-mesenchymal stem cells: Advancing peripheral nerve injury therapies

Peripheral nerve injuries are clinical conditions that often result in functional deficits, compromising patient quality of life. Given the relevance of these injuries, new treatment strategies are constantly being investigated. Although mesenchymal stem cells already demonstrate therapeutic potential due to their paracrine action, the transdifferentiation of these cells into Schwann-like cells (SLCs) represents a significant advancement in nerve injury therapy. Recent studies indicate that SLCs can mimic the functions of Schwann cells, with promising results in animal models. However, challenges remain, such as the diversity of transdifferentiation protocols and the scalability of these therapies for clinical applications. A recent study by Zou et al provided a comprehensive overview of the role of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of peripheral nerve injuries. Therefore, we would like to discuss and explore the use of SLCs derived from bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells in more detail as a promising alternative in the field of nerve regeneration.

Therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells transplantation on traumatic facial nerve paralysis in two horses

Cell-based therapy has emerged as a promising strategy for treating peripheral nervous system (PNS) injuries across different species. However, there is a scarcity in the literature regarding the transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for treating PNS injuries in horses. This report aims to describe the therapeutic potential of equine MSC transplantation in two horses with chronic traumatic facial nerve paralysis. Both horses presented with lip ptosis and right deviation of the nostril and upper lip, being clinically diagnosed with left facial nerve paralysis. Due to the refractoriness to conventional anti-inflammatory treatments, cell-based therapy was chosen. One horse received an autologous transplant of equine bone marrow-derived MSCs (EqBM-MSCs) four months after the traumatic event, while the other underwent three transplants of allogeneic equine adipose tissue-derived MSCs (EqAT-MSCs) at 30-day intervals, starting two months after the injury. All transplants were performed at three different sites around the facial nerve, at the level of bifurcation of the buccal branch in both horses. Physical and neurological assessments revealed significant clinical recovery within three months for the first horse and four months for the second. These findings demonstrated that equine MSCs transplants have great therapeutic potential for chronic traumatic facial nerve paralysis in horses, highlighting the relevance of MSCs- based therapy for peripheral nerve injuries.

Differentiation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells into functional intestinal epithelial cells via conditioned medium co-culture

BACKGROUND

The induction of stem cell differentiation to generate intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) with absorptive functions offers significant therapeutic potential for treating conditions such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, radiation enteritis, and other refractory intestinal epithelial injuries. Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) are capable of differentiating into functional IEC-like cells.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to induce the differentiation of hUC-MSCs into IECs using a conditioned medium co-culture method.

METHOD

A culture medium derived from human IECs was used as the inductive medium to facilitate the differentiation of hUC-MSCs into IECs. The cellular morphology was assessed using inverted microscopy, and the expression of IEC markers, including Villin, CK20, CK8, and CK18 proteins, was analyzed via immunofluorescence staining. Furthermore, the expression levels of IEC markers, such as KRT18, were quantified using real-time quantitative PCR analysis. The functionality of the differentiated IECs in terms of sucrase secretion was assessed through sucrase activity assays.

RESULTS

By the 14th day of induction, hUC-MSCs exhibited a morphology similar to IECs and exhibited the expression of IEC markers, including the KRT18 gene and Villin, CK20, CK8, and CK18 proteins. Sucrase activity assays further confirmed that the differentiated cells demonstrated significant sucrase activity.

CONCLUSION

The conditioned medium co-culture method effectively induced the differentiation of hUC-MSCs into functional IECs.

Challenges in advancing Schwann cell transplantation for spinal cord injury repair

BACKGROUND AIMS

In this article we aimed to provide an expert synthesis of the current status of Schwann cell (SC)therapeutics and potential steps to increase their clinical utility.

METHODS

We provide an expert synthesis based on preclinical, clinical and manufacturing experience.

RESULTS

Schwann cells (SCs) are essential for peripheral nerve regeneration and are of interest in supporting axonal repair after spinal cord injury (SCI). SCs can be isolated and cultivated in tissue culture from adult nerve biopsies or generated from precursors and neural progenitors using specific differentiation protocols leading to expanded quantities. In culture, they undergo dedifferentiation to a state similar to "repair" SCs. The known repertoire of SC functions is increasing beyond axon maintenance, myelination, and axonal regeneration to include immunologic regulation and the release of potentially therapeutic extracellular vesicles. Recently, autologous human SC cultures purified under cGMP conditions have been tested in both nerve repair and subacute and chronic SCI clinical trials. Although the effects of SCs to support nerve regeneration are indisputable, their efficacy for clinical SCI has been limited according to the outcomes examined.

CONCLUSIONS

This review discusses the current limitations of transplanted SCs within the damaged spinal cord environment. Limitations include limited post-transplant cell survival, the inability of SCs to migrate within astrocytic parenchyma, and restricted axonal regeneration out of SC-rich graft regions. We describe steps to amplify the survival and integration of transplanted SCs and to expand the repertoire of uses of SCs, including SC-derived extracellular vesicles. The relative merits of transplanting autologous versus allogeneic SCs and the role that endogenous SCs play in spinal cord repair are described. Finally, we briefly describe the issues requiring solutions to scale up SC manufacturing for commercial use.

Cultivation of Schwann cells from fresh and non-fresh adult equine peripheral nerves

BACKGROUND

Over the past 25 years, acquired equine polyneuropathy (AEP) has emerged as a neurological disease in Scandinavian horses. This condition is characterized by histopathological features including the presence of Schwann cell (SC) inclusions. Cultivated equine SCs would serve as a valuable resource for investigations of factors triggering this Schwannopathy. Ideally, cells should be sampled for cultivation from fresh nerves immediately after death of the animal, however the availability of fresh material is limited, due to the inconsistent case load and the inherent technical and practical challenges to collection of samples in the field. This study aimed to cultivate SCs from adult equine peripheral nerves and assess their ability to survive in sampled nerve material over time to simulate harvesting of SCs in field situations.

NEW METHODS

Peripheral nerves from five non-neurological horses were used. After euthanasia, both fresh and non-fresh nerve samples were harvested from each horse. Flow cytometry was employed to confirm the cellular identity and to determine the SC purity.

RESULTS

The results revealed successful establishment of SC cultures from adult equine peripheral nerves, with the potential to achieve high SC purity from both fresh and non-fresh nerve samples.

COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD

While most SC isolation methods focus on harvest of cells from fresh nerve materials from laboratory animals, our approach highlights the possibility of utilizing SC cultures from field-harvested and transported nerve samples from horses.

CONCLUSIONS

We describe a method for isolating SCs with high purity from both fresh and non-fresh peripheral nerves of adult horses.