In Vitro Cellular and Molecular Interplay between Human Foreskin-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cells and the Th17 Cell Pathway

Kaempferol Improved Rheumatoid Arthritis by Regulating the Immune Imbalance of Treg/Th17

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to explore the therapeutic effects of kaempferol (Kae) on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

The collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model was established using collagen II to induce RA. Mice were treated with Kae at a dose of 25 or 50 mg/kg/day via gavage. Pathological changes in the ankle joint were analyzed. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to measure the levels of inflammatory factors. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to assess the expression of genes associated with the balance of regulatory T (Treg)/T helper 17 (Th17) cells. Flow cytometry was utilized to determine the Treg/Th17 ratio. Furthermore, these techniques were employed to evaluate the impact of miR-34a and Foxp3 dysregulation on cellular functions in RA under the influence of Kae. Dual luciferase reporter assay was conducted to analyze the binding of miR-34a to Foxp3.

RESULTS

Treatment with Kae led to a downregulation of receptor-related orphan receptor gamma t (RORγt) and IL-17 expression, and an upregulation of Foxp3, IL-10, and TGF-β expression in CIA mice. Kae intervention inhibited the production of proinflammatory cytokines and increased the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, Kae treatment suppressed the expression of miR-34a, which was identified as a target of miR-34a. Finally, Kae regulated Treg/ Th17 balance-related genes and cellular inflammation through the miR-34a/Foxp3 axis.

CONCLUSION

The study demonstrated that Kae effectively ameliorates CIA in mice by modulating the Treg/Th17 balance and related genes via the miR-34a/Foxp3 axis. These findings suggest that Kae may serve as a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of RA and for restoring immune homeostasis.

Mesenchymal stem cells alleviate inflammatory responses through regulation of T-cell subsets

Immune-mediated inflammatory disease (IMID) is a complex disorder characterized by excessive immune responses involving T cells and their subsets, leading to direct tissue damage. T cells can be broadly categorized into CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells. CD4+ T cells are composed of several subsets, including T helper (Th)1, Th2, Th9, Th17, Th22, follicular helper T cells (Tfhs), and regulatory T cells (Tregs), while effector CD8+ T cells consist mainly of cytotoxic T cells (CTLs). Current therapies for IMID are ineffective, prompting exploration into mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as a promising clinical treatment due to their immunomodulatory effects and self-renewal potential. Recent studies have shown that MSCs can suppress T cells through direct cell-to-cell contact or secretion of soluble cytokines. Nevertheless, the precise effects of MSCs on T cell subsets remain inadequately defined. In this review, we summarize the most recent studies that have examined how MSCs modulate one or more effector T-cell subsets and the mechanisms behind these modifications in vitro and several mouse models of clinical inflammation. This also provides theoretical support and novel insights into the efficacy of clinical treatments involving MSCs. However, the efficacy of MSC therapies in clinical models of inflammation varies, showing effective remission in most cases, but also with exacerbation of T-cell-mediated inflammatory damage in some instances.

Mesenchymal stem cells biological and biotechnological advances: Implications for clinical applications

BACKGROUND

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stem cells that are able to differentiate into multiple lineages including bone, cartilage, muscle and fat. They hold immunomodulatory properties and therapeutic ability to treat multiple diseases, including autoimmune and chronic degenerative diseases. In this article, we reviewed the different biological properties, applications and clinical trials of MSCs. Also, we discussed the basics of manufacturing conditions, quality control, and challenges facing MSCs in the clinical setting.

METHODS

Extensive review of the literature was conducted through the databases PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane. Papers published since 2015 and covering the clinical applications and research of MSC therapy were considered. Furthermore, older papers were considered when referring to pioneering studies in the field.

RESULTS

The most widely studied stem cells in cell therapy and tissue repair are bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Adipose tissue-derived stem cells became more common and to a lesser extent other stem cell sources e.g., foreskin derived MSCs. MSCs therapy were also studied in the setting of COVID-19 infections, ischemic strokes, autoimmune diseases, tumor development and graft rejection. Multiple obstacles, still face the standardization and optimization of MSC therapy such as the survival and the immunophenotype and the efficiency of transplanted cells. MSCs used in clinical settings displayed heterogeneity in their function despite their extraction from healthy donors and expression of similar surface markers.

CONCLUSION

Mesenchymal stem cells offer a rising therapeutic promise in various diseases. However, their potential use in clinical applications requires further investigation.

Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cells and Their Interplay with Th-17 Cell Response Pathway

As a form of immunomodulatory therapeutics, mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) from umbilical cord (UC) tissue were assessed for their dynamic interplay with the Th-17 immune response pathway. UC-MSCs were able to modulate lymphocyte response by promoting a Th-17-like profile. Such modulation depended on the cell ratio of the cocultures as well as the presence of an inflammatory setting underlying their plasticity. UC-MSCs significantly increased the expression of IL-17A and RORγt but differentially modulated T cell expression of IL-23R. In parallel, the secretion profile of the fifteen factors (IL1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-22, IL-21, IL-23, IL-25, IL-31, IL-33, INF-γ, sCD40, and TNF-α) involved in the Th-17 immune response pathway was substantially altered during these cocultures. The modulation of these factors demonstrates the capacity of UC-MSCs to sense and actively respond to tissue challenges. Protein network and functional enrichment analysis indicated that several biological processes, molecular functions, and cellular components linked to distinct Th-17 signaling interactions are involved in several trophic, inflammatory, and immune network responses. These immunological changes and interactions with the Th-17 pathway are likely critical to tissue healing and may help to identify molecular targets that will improve therapeutic strategies involving UC-MSCs.

Attitude towards donation of the excised foreskin after circumcision surgery for research: A study from Madinah, Saudi Arabia

Studies have shown the possibility of using the part of the foreskin removed after circumcision in the field of scientific and therapeutic research. Donations of tissues and organs are always associated with ethical challenges posed by bioethicists and societies to ensure the appropriate use of these tissues/organs. The purpose of this study was to understand the attitudes and awareness of parents/guardians regarding donation of excised foreskin to research and medical use. The study was based on a questionnaire and included 133 parents/guardians who visited Uhud Children's Hospital in Madinah, Saudi Arabia for newborn male circumcision. The results showed a high willingness (61.7%) to donate the extracted foreskin to research. The willingness to donate the extracted foreskin to research associated with undergraduate degree (P = 0.018), male sex (P = 0.011), high income (P = 0.029), and participation in previous research studies (P = 0.002). About 41.8% were convinced that written informed consent should be obtained before circumcision surgery, 38.1% (n = 51) were convinced that written informed consent should be taken after surgery, while the remaining 19.4% reported that the timing of written informed consent is unimportant. Finally, fear of excision of excess tissue (74.5%), lack of confidence in the research (68.6%), and potential for commercial use (64.7%) were the main barriers to unwillingness to donate the excised foreskin for research. In conclusion, a reasonable portion of Saudis agreed to donate their foreskin for research purposes. There is an urgent need to enhance awareness and attitudes towards tissue donation for research and therapeutic use.

Facing the Challenges in the COVID-19 Pandemic Era: From Standard Treatments to the Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells as a New Therapeutic Strategy

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which counts more than 650 million cases and more than 6.6 million of deaths worldwide, affects the respiratory system with typical symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and fatigue. Other nonpulmonary manifestations are related with abnormal inflammatory response, the "cytokine storm", that could lead to a multiorgan disease and to death. Evolution of effective vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 provided multiple options to prevent the infection, but the treatment of the severe forms remains difficult to manage. The cytokine storm is usually counteracted with standard medical care and anti-inflammatory drugs, but researchers moved forward their studies on new strategies based on cell therapy approaches. The perinatal tissues, such as placental membranes, amniotic fluid, and umbilical cord derivatives, are enriched in mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) that exert a well-known anti-inflammatory role, immune response modulation, and tissue repair. In this review, we focused on umbilical-cord-derived MSCs (UC-MSCs) used in in vitro and in vivo studies in order to evaluate the weakening of the severe symptoms, and on recent clinical trials from different databases, supporting the favorable potential of UC-MSCs as therapeutic strategy.

Effects of oral administration and intravenous injection of polygalacturonic acid on the immunomodulation and gut microbiota in UC mice

This study aimed to compare the differences between oral administration and intravenous injection of polygalacturonic acid (PGA) in the regulation of immune and intestinal microflora in ulcerative colitis (UC) mice. PGA was administered orally or intravenously. PGA in the high-dose ig group was the most effective in treating UC by increasing colon length and downregulating disease activity index, histopathological score and proinflammatory cytokine levels. In spleen, the efficacy of PGA on restoring Th17/Treg balance in the high-dose iv group was better than that in the high-dose ig group, the opposite was observed in the lamina propria. The level of colonic IL-17A in the high-dose ig group was lower than that in the high-dose iv group, the opposite was observed for that of colonic IL-10. Western blot and immunohistochemistry analysis revealed that PGA in the high-dose ig group decreased the protein expression of RORγt, and increased that of FOXP3. Furthermore, PGA in the high-dose ig group was more effective than that in the high-dose iv group in improving the intestinal microflora structure. Our results suggest that in immune regulation, oral PGA is more effective in the lamina propria and gut microbiota while intravenous PGA is more effective in the spleen.

Bioscreening and pre-clinical evaluation of the impact of bioactive molecules from Ptychotis verticillata on the multilineage potential of mesenchymal stromal cells towards immune- and inflammation-mediated diseases

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are currently used in cell reparative medicine due to their trophic and ant-inflammatory properties. The modulation of stem cell properties by phytochemicals has been suggested as a tool to empower their tissue repair capacity. In vitro, MSCs are characterized by their tri-lineage potential that holds great interest for tissue regeneration. Ptychotis Verticillata (PV), an aromatic and medicinal plant, may be thus used to modulate the in vitro multilineage potential of MSCs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We screened the impact of PV-derived essential oil and their bioactive molecules (thymol and carvacrol) on the in vitro multilineage potential of MSCs. Different concentrations and incubation times of these compounds were assessed during the osteogenesis and adipogenesis of MSCs.

RESULTS

The analysis of 75 conditions indicates that these compounds are biologically active by promoting two major differentiation lineages from MSCs. In a time- and dose-dependent manner, thymol and carvacrol increased the osteogenesis and adipogenesis.

CONCLUSION

According to these preliminary observations, the addition of PV extract may stimulate the tissue regenerative and repair functions of MSCs. Further optimization of compound extraction and characterization from PV as well as cell treatment conditions should increase their therapeutic value in combination with MSCs.

Single-Cell Transcriptome Integration Analysis Reveals the Correlation Between Mesenchymal Stromal Cells and Fibroblasts

Background: Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and fibroblasts show similar morphology, surface marker expression, and proliferation, differentiation, and immunomodulatory capacities. These similarities not only blur their cell identities but also limit their application. Methods: We performed single-cell transcriptome sequencing of the human umbilical cord and foreskin MSCs (HuMSCs and FSMSCs) and extracted the single-cell transcriptome data of the bone marrow and adipose MSCs (BMSCs and ADMSCs) from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Then, we performed quality control, batch effect correction, integration, and clustering analysis of the integrated single-cell transcriptome data from the HuMSCs, FMSCs, BMSCs, and ADMSCs. The cell subsets were annotated based on the surface marker phenotypes for the MSCs (CD105 ⁺ , CD90 ⁺, CD73 ⁺, CD45 ^-, CD34 ^-, CD19 ^-, HLA-DRA ^-, and CD11b ^-), fibroblasts (VIM ⁺, PECAM1 ^-, CD34 ^-, CD45 ^-, EPCAM ^-, and MYH11 ^-), and pericytes (CD146 ⁺, PDGFRB ⁺, PECAM1 ^-, CD34 ^-, and CD45 ^-). The expression levels of common fibroblast markers (ACTA2, FAP, PDGFRA, PDGFRB, S100A4, FN1, COL1A1, POSTN, DCN, COL1A2, FBLN2, COL1A2, DES, and CDH11) were also analyzed in all cell subsets. Finally, the gene expression profiles, differentiation status, and the enrichment status of various gene sets and regulons were compared between the cell subsets. Results: We demonstrated 15 distinct cell subsets in the integrated single-cell transcriptome sequencing data. Surface marker annotation demonstrated the MSC phenotype in 12 of the 15 cell subsets. C10 and C14 subsets demonstrated both the MSC and pericyte phenotypes. All 15 cell subsets demonstrated the fibroblast phenotype. C8, C12, and C13 subsets exclusively demonstrated the fibroblast phenotype. We identified 3,275 differentially expressed genes, 305 enriched gene sets, and 34 enriched regulons between the 15 cell subsets. The cell subsets that exclusively demonstrated the fibroblast phenotype represented less primitive and more differentiated cell types. Conclusion: Cell subsets with the MSC phenotype also demonstrated the fibroblast phenotype, but cell subsets with the fibroblast phenotype did not necessarily demonstrate the MSC phenotype, suggesting that MSCs represented a subclass of fibroblasts. We also demonstrated that the MSCs and fibroblasts represented highly heterogeneous populations with distinct cell subsets, which could be identified based on the differentially enriched gene sets and regulons that specify proliferating, differentiating, metabolic, and/or immunomodulatory functions.