Monoclonal antibody development advances immunological research in horses

Host immune analyses require specific reagents to identify cellular and soluble components of the immune system. These immune reagents are often species-specific. For horses, various immunological tools have been developed and tested by different initiatives during the past decades. This article summarizes the development of well characterized monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) for equine immune cells, immunoglobulin isotypes, cytokines, and chemokines.

Cancer stem cells: The important role of CD markers, Signaling pathways, and MicroRNAs

For the first time, a subset of small cancer cells identified in acute myeloid leukemia has been termed Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs). These cells are notorious for their robust proliferation, self-renewal abilities, significant tumor-forming potential, spread, and resistance to treatments. CSCs are a global concern, as it found in numerous types of cancer, posing a real-world challenge today. Our review encompasses research on key CSC markers, signaling pathways, and MicroRNA in three types of cancer: breast, colon, and liver. These factors play a critical role in either promoting or inhibiting cancer cell growth. The reviewed studies have shown that as cells undergo malignant transformation, there can be an increase or decrease in the expression of different Cluster of Differentiation (CD) markers on their surface. Furthermore, alterations in essential signaling pathways, such as Wnt and Notch1, may impact CSC proliferation, survival, and movement, while also providing potential targets for cancer therapies. Additionally, some research has focused on MicroRNAs due to their dual role as potential therapeutic biomarkers and their ability to enhance CSCs' response to anti-cancer drugs. MicroRNAs also regulate a wide array of cellular processes, including the self-renewal and pluripotency of CSCs, and influence gene transcription. Thus, these studies indicate that MicroRNAs play a significant role in the malignancy of various tumors. Although the gathered information suggests that specific CSC markers, signaling pathways, and MicroRNAs are influential in determining the destiny of cancer cells and could be advantageous for therapeutic strategies, their precise roles and impacts remain incompletely defined, necessitating further investigation.

Choosing the Right Cell Line for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) Research

Immortalized cell lines are widely used in vitro tools in oncology and hematology research. While these cell lines represent artificial systems and may accumulate genetic aberrations with each passage, they are still considered valuable models for pilot, preliminary, and screening studies. Despite their limitations, cell lines are cost-effective and provide repeatable and comparable results. Choosing the appropriate cell line for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) research is crucial for obtaining reliable and relevant results. Several factors should be considered when selecting a cell line for AML research, such as specific markers and genetic abnormalities associated with different subtypes of AML. It is also essential to evaluate the karyotype and mutational profile of the cell line, as these can influence the behavior and response to the treatment of the cells. In this review, we evaluate immortalized AML cell lines and discuss the issues surrounding them concerning the revised World Health Organization and the French-American-British classifications.

Detection of erythroid progenitors and erythrocytopathies in patients with severe COVID-19 disease

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effect of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection on erythropoiesis and red blood cells (RBC) surface markers by evaluating erythroid progenitor cells (CD [cluster of differentiation]71⁺/CD235a⁺) and RBC surface markers (CD235a and CD36), together with various hematological parameters.

METHODS

This case-control study includes 47 participants recruited in the study: 30 patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and 17 healthy individuals. The COVID-19 patients were recruited from the intensive care unit (ICU) of various hospitals in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Blood samples were collected during July and September 2021. Red blood cells indices were measured using a CBC analyzer. The expression of CD235a, CD71, and CD36 was obtained using flow cytometry technique. The unpaired t-test was conducted to evaluate the differences in these markers in COVID-19 patients and healthy individuals.

RESULTS

The data showed that more than half of the COVID-19 patients were anemic (64%). Expansion of erythroid progenitors (CD71⁺/CD235a⁺) was detected in the COVID-19 patients. Analysis of the expression of RBC surface markers, such as CD235a and CD36, showed that SARS-CoV-2 was associated with significantly higher expression of these markers in COVID-19 patients.

CONCLUSION

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 promoted the expansion of erythroid progenitors in the peripheral blood of COVID-19 patients. In addition, the expression of RBC surface markers was higher in COVID-19 patients. The expansion of erythroid progenitors and alteration of RBC surface markers can contribute to erythrocytopathies observed in severe COVID-19 patients and can therefore be used as prognostic factors.

Optimization of human myoblasts culture under different media conditions for application in the in vitro studies

Human primary in vitro cell cultures are among the most challenging procedures in cellular biology laboratory practice. Myoblasts-progenitor of skeletal muscle origin represent a promising therapeutic cell source since the procedure of their isolation is not technically demanding, and the in vitro culture is relatively straightforward. Myoblasts could be considered as the candidates for clinical applications due to their regenerative potential, and as the carriers of therapeutic proteins introduced through genetic modifications. The main goal of this prospective study was to evaluate different myoblasts isolation strategies based on the pre-plating technique and cells density characteristics. Moreover, testing of different myoblast media formulations-both commercially available and in-house made was performed. Our goal was to establish the in vitro protocol of myoblasts culture allowing for preservation of the proliferative potential and desired phenotype. Our results revealed that in culture of myoblasts of human muscle origin, the pre-plate technique and cell density differences did not correlate with changes in the proliferative potential, however it was observed that low density cells maintained expression of the CD56 marker up to the higher passages. Assessment of different types of culture media confirmed the best performance for DMEM based media without Chicken Embryo Extract (CEE) addition. Cells cultured in DMEM+FBS medium revealed high expression of CD56 and CD90 antigens, absence of the hematopoietic markers and presented stable proliferation profile. This finding is in line with guidelines of regulatory agencies recommending removal of the xeno-derived reagents from the manufacturing process of Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMP). In this study, human myoblasts culture was optimized in vitro under different media conditions. The next approach in assessment of myoblasts propagation for potential clinical applications will be testing of the clinical grade human platelet lysate (hPL) instead of the FBS.

Identification of a clinical signature predictive of differentiation fate of human bone marrow stromal cells

BACKGROUND

Transplantation of human bone marrow stromal cells (hBMSCs) is a promising therapy for bone regeneration due to their ability to differentiate into bone forming osteoblastic cells. However, transplanted hBMSCs exhibit variable capacity for bone formation resulting in inconsistent clinical outcome. The aim of the study was to identify a set of donor- and cell-related characteristics that detect hBMSCs with optimal osteoblastic differentiation capacity.

METHODS

We collected hBMSCs from 58 patients undergoing surgery for bone fracture. Clinical profile of the donors and in vitro characteristics of cultured hBMSCs were included in uni- and multivariable analysis to determine their predictive value for osteoblastic versus adipocytic differentiation capacity assessed by quantification of mineralized matrix and mature adipocyte formation, respectively.

RESULTS

We identified a signature that explained > 50% of variation in osteoblastic differentiation outcome which included the following positive predictors: donor sex (male), absence of osteoporosis diagnosis, intake of vitamin D supplements, higher fraction of CD146+, and alkaline phosphate (ALP+) cells. With the exception of vitamin D and ALP+ cells, these variables were also negative predictors of adipocytic differentiation.

CONCLUSIONS

Using a combination of clinical and cellular criteria, it is possible to predict differentiation outcome of hBMSCs. This signature may be helpful in selecting donor cells in clinical trials of bone regeneration.

Doxycycline-Doped Polymeric Membranes Induced Growth, Differentiation and Expression of Antigenic Phenotype Markers of Osteoblasts

Polymeric membranes are employed in guided bone regeneration (GBR) as physical barriers to facilitate bone in-growth. A bioactive and biomimetic membrane with the ability to participate in the healing and regeneration of the bone is necessary. The aim of the present study was to analyze how novel silicon dioxide composite membranes functionalized with zinc or doxycycline can modulate the osteoblasts' proliferation, differentiation, and expression of selected antigenic markers related to immunomodulation. Nanostructured acrylate-based membranes were developed, blended with silica, and functionalized with zinc or doxycycline. They were subjected to MG63 osteoblast-like cells culturing. Proliferation was assessed by MTT-assay, differentiation by evaluating the alkaline phosphatase activity by a spectrophotometric method and antigenic phenotype was assessed by flow cytometry for selected markers. Mean comparisons were conducted by one-way ANOVA and Tukey tests (p < 0.05). The blending of silica nanoparticles in the tested non-resorbable polymeric scaffold improved the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts, but doxycycline doped scaffolds attained the best results. Osteoblasts cultured on doxycycline functionalized membranes presented higher expression of CD54, CD80, CD86, and HLA-DR, indicating a beneficial immunomodulation activity. Doxycycline doped membranes may be a potential candidate for use in GBR procedures in several challenging pathologies, including periodontal disease.

Expression of Blood Cells Associated CD Markers and Cardiovascular Diseases: Clinical Applications in Prognosis

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a major cause of mortality worldwide. The results of various studies have shown that abnormality in the frequency and function of blood cells can be involved in CVD complications. In this review, we have focused on abnormalities in the expression of the CD (cluster of differentiation) markers of blood cells to assess the association of these abnormalities with CVD prognosis.

METHODS

We identified the relevant literature through a PubMed search (1990-2018) of English-language articles using the terms "Cardiovascular diseases", "CD markers", "leukocytes", "platelets", and "endothelial cells".

RESULTS

There is a variety of mechanisms for the effect of CD-marker expressions on CVDs prognosis, ranging from proinflammatory processes to dysfunctional effects in blood cells.

CONCLUSION

Considering the possible effects of CD-marker expression on CVDs prognosis, particularly prognosis of acute myocardial infarction and atherosclerosis, long-term studies in large cohorts are required to identify the prognostic value of CD markers and to target them with appropriate therapeutic agents.

Flow Cytometry Analysis to Identify Human CD8+ T Cells

Flow cytometry is a powerful technique allowing multiparameter detection and quantification of single cells or particles including cell size, granularity, cell components (DNA, mRNA), surface receptors, intracellular proteins, and signaling events. The flow cytometer operates via three main systems: the fluidics, optics, and electronics, which work together to analyze the physical and chemical properties of your sample. The first system, the fluidics, transports your sample in a single stream through the instrument, from the sample tube, pass the lasers, and is either sorted for further experiments or discarded into the waste vessel. The second system, the optical system, is composed of a series of lasers; for excitation of your sample and attached fluorescence antibodies as it passes, a series of lenses; and a detector system. The third system is the electronic component, which enables the photocurrent from the detector system to be changed into electronic pulses to be processed by a computer and analyzed by flow cytometry software. Flow cytometry is thus a powerful technique, which is commonly used to determine the expression of cell surface markers and intracellular molecules to define cells into different populations by fluorescently labeled antibodies.The staining procedure outlined below creates a single-cell suspension for staining with a panel of flow cytometry antibodies, which target different surface markers, to identify an array of cell types. After staining the sample is loaded into the flow cytometer, where the fluorescently labeled cells are excited as they pass by the laser emitting light at various wavelengths which are detected by the flow cytometer. Each fluorescent antibody has its own excitation and emission spectrum allowing the use of multiple antibodies. However, the emission spectrums of different fluorochromes can overlap each other, called spectral overlap. Thus, it is important to have good compensation controls to eliminate any antibody spillover.The staining methods from this technique can be used for different cell types by changing the surface marker targeted by the flow antibody. It is also important to use knowledge of the density of surface molecule for detection and brightness of fluorochrome to guide antibody selection and also to titrate all antibodies prior to use.This chapter's protocol has been designed specifically for detection of human CD8⁺ T cells defining the activation status of the cells by surface marker phenotyping.

CD markers variations in chronic lymphocytic leukemia: New insights into prognosis

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is one of the most commonly occurring adult leukemias that is associated with clonal accumulation of mature apoptosis-resistant B-cells in bone marrow, peripheral blood, and specific tissues. Different pathogenesis factors can contribute to the aggression of the clinical course in this disease. Cytogenetic abnormalities and surface biomarkers of neoplastic CLL cells can be effective in the outcome of CLL, and the examination of changing CD markers expressions in the progression of CLL can be related to the prognosis of this disease. Changing expression levels of CD markers on lymphocytes and other cells in CLL patients can play a role in the aggressive clinical outcomes such as organomegaly, immunodeficiency, and advanced disease stages through their interaction with CLL microenvironment. Given the involvement of CD markers in the pathogenesis of CLL, it can be stated that recognizing the expression changes of CD markers in the cells involved in CLL can be a proper approach to evaluate prognosis among these patients.

Novel Assay To Characterize Neutrophil Responses to Oral Biofilms

Neutrophils, the most numerous leukocytes, play an important role in maintaining oral health through interactions with oral microbial biofilms. Both neutrophil hyperactivity and the bacterial subversion of neutrophil responses can cause inflammation-mediated tissue damage like that seen in periodontal disease. We describe here an assay that assesses neutrophil activation responses to monospecies biofilm bacteria in vitro based on the surface expression of cluster of differentiation (CD) markers associated with various neutrophil functions. Most of what we know about neutrophil responses to bacteria is based on in vitro assays that use planktonic bacteria and isolated/preactivated neutrophils, which makes interpretation of the neutrophil responses to bacteria a challenge. An understanding of how neutrophils differentially interact with and respond to commensal and pathogenic oral bacteria is necessary in order to further understand the neutrophil's role in maintaining oral health and the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. In this study, a flow cytometry-based in vitro assay was developed to characterize neutrophil activation states based on CD marker expressions in response to oral monospecies bacterial biofilms. Using this approach, changes in CD marker expressions in response to specific prominent oral commensal and pathogenic bacteria were assayed. Several functional assays, including assays for phagocytosis, production of reactive oxygen species, activation of the transcription factor Nrf2, neutrophil extracellular trap formation, and myeloperoxidase release, were also performed to correlate neutrophil function with CD marker expression. Our results demonstrate that neutrophils display bacterial species-specific responses. This assay can be used to characterize how specific biofilms alter specific neutrophil pathways associated with their activation.

Lymphocyte subgroups and recurrent infections in children with Down syndrome - a prospective case control study

Down syndrome (DS) is the commonest genetic disorder and more liable for recurrent infections. We aimed to determine the differences in lymphocyte subgroups between DS children and the healthy population and to study the pattern and likelihood for recurrent infections and hospital admission due to infection. Our study was carried out in the Genetic Unit of Mansoura University Children’s Hospital, Egypt. The study enrolled 150 DS (DS group) and 100 controls (CG group). They were assessed for recurrent infections (including tonsillitis, otitis media [OM], pneumonia, upper respiratory tract infections [URTI], sinusitis, and gastroenteritis [GE]) and hospital admission due to infections. All patients were subjected to complete blood count and flow cytometric analysis for expression markers of B lymphocytes (CD19), natural killer (NK) cells (CD56), and T lymphocytes (CD3, CD4 and CD8). We found a statistically significant increase in the frequency of URTIs and sinusitis, OM, pneumonia, and hospital admission in the DS group. As regards the type of recurrent infection in DS, it was highest for URTIs and sinusitis. For age groups below 13 years, a statistically significant decrease in all studied CD markers was found in the DS group, while for the 13-18-year-olds, a statistically significant decrease was found in CD4, CD19, and CD56 in the DS group. Non-significant correlations were found between CD markers and recurrent infection and hospital admission. We concluded that lymphocyte subgroups that carry CD3, CD4, CD8, CD19, and CD56 were decreased in DS. Recurrent infections and hospital admission are still striking feature for DS but are not significantly correlated with lymphocyte subgroups.

Expression of CD markers in JAK2V617F positive myeloproliferative neoplasms: Prognostic significance

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are clonal stem cell disorders characterized by the presence of JAK2^V617F mutation. Thrombohemorrhagic as well as autoimmune or inflammatory phenomena are common clinical outcomes of these disorders. Recent studies have shown that abnormality in frequency and function of blood cells manifested by an alteration in CD markers' expression patterns play a key role in these complications. So, there may be a relationship between CD markers' expressions and prognosis of JAK2^V617F positive MPNs. Therefore, in this review, we have focused on these abnormalities from the perspective of changing expressions of CD markers and assessment of the relationship between these changes with prognosis of JAK2^V617F positive MPNs. It can be stated that the abnormal expression of a large number of CD markers can be used as a prognostic biomarker for clinical outcomes including thrombohememorrhagic events, as well as autoimmune and leukemic transformation in JAK2^V617F positive MPNs. Considering the possible role of CD markers' expressions in JAK2^V617F MPNs prognosis, further studies are needed to confirm the relationship between the expression of CD markers with prognosis to be able to find an appropriate therapeutic approach via targeting CD markers.

Non-invasive diagnosis of early-onset coronary artery disease based on cell type-specific gene expression analyses

A non-invasive diagnostic method based on biomarkers related to endothelial and mononuclear cell dysfunction can provide opportunities for screening and early treatment of atherosclerosis. This study aimed to construct a risk scoring model based on clinical risk factors and molecular markers (lncRNA SENCR and CD markers) at single-cell level for early diagnosis of early-onset coronary artery disease (EOCAD). A single-cell expression analysis was performed on peripheral blood mononuclear cell subsets derived from 253 young individuals (Males ≤45 and Females ≤55 years old) in two training and validation sets using FISH-Flow assay. Concurrent quantifications of intracellular SENCR and surface/intracellular CD31, CD146, CD45 and CD14 in mononuclear cell fractions (Circulating endothelial cell, Monocyte and Lymphocyte) showed a significant reduction in intra-CEC SENCR, increased in intra-monocyte SENCR and also increased surface/intracellular CD146 and CD14 in patients with EOCAD as compared to the controls. Altered biomarkers were combined together as a risk scoring model. The ROC curve analysis on the combination model showed a high-performance in the distinction of our patients with EOCAD and healthy controls. A positive correlation between SENCR and CD14 in monocytes led us to find a binding site corresponding to SENCR and CD14 mRNA interaction. Our study suggested that combination of our molecular and clinical factors can be benefit to early diagnosis of EOCAD. CECs in peripheral blood as the novel approach could reflect molecular alteration in vascular endothelium. Bimodal variation in intracellular SENCR at the single-cell transcriptional level suggests that SENCR has cell-specific function(s) in its epigenetic gene regulation mechanisms.

Cellular expression of CD markers in immune thrombocytopenic purpura: implications for prognosis

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an autoimmune bleeding disorder associated with platelet destruction. Abnormalities in frequency and function of different immune cells can play a crucial role in this disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of CD markers' expressions by immune cells in ITP. Peripheral blood samples were collected from 25 ITP patients before and after treatment. The expression of CD markers was evaluated by flow cytometry technique. The expression of CD38 and CD56 was significantly lower before treatment than after it (p = 0.025 and p = 0.036, respectively). Furthermore, a positive correlation was found between CD38 expression with platelet count before (r = 0.496, p = 0.012) and after treatment (r = 0.404, p = 0.045). No significant relationship was found between this marker and platelet count while CD4 expression was higher before treatment than after it (p = 0.002). In conclusion, CD38 may have independent prognostic value in ITP and we suggest that it can be a prognostic marker for this disease.

TLR2 stimulation impairs anti-inflammatory activity of M2-like macrophages, generating a chimeric M1/M2 phenotype

Background

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and macrophages play an important role in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Currently, it is not clear whether inflammatory M1 or anti-inflammatory M2 predominate among the resident macrophages in the synovium. In the present study, we set out to investigate the impact of TLR stimulation on monocyte-derived M1 and M2 macrophage function and phenotype by mimicking the exposure to abundant TLR agonists as occurs in the context of RA. The response of macrophage subsets to TLR2 and TLR4 activation was evaluated on cluster of differentiation (CD) marker profile; cytokine secretion; gene expression; and NF-κB, interferon regulatory factors 3 and 7 (IRF3/7), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation.

Methods

Human monocytes were isolated from peripheral blood of healthy individuals and patients with RA and differentiated into M1-like and M2-like macrophages by granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), respectively. Cells were either (1) stimulated with TLR ligands Pam3 or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or (2) classically activated via interferon (IFN)-γ/LPS. Cytokine production was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and gene expression was measured by qPCR. Cells were stained for CD markers and analyzed by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. NF-κB, IRF3/7, and MAPKs were detected by Western blotting.

Results

Monocyte-derived macrophages of healthy donors (HD) or patients with RA displayed comparable subset-specific phenotypes upon exposure to TLR agonists. CD14 and CD163 marker expression on M2 macrophages did not change upon TLR2 and TLR4 engagement. By contrast, M2 gene markers HMOX1, FOLR2, and SLC40A1 were decreased. Importantly, M2 macrophages derived from HD or patients with RA showed both a decreased ratio of interleukin (IL)-10/IL-6 and IL-10/IL-8 upon stimulation with TLR2 ligand Pam3 compared with TLR4 ligand LPS. Gene expression of TLR2 was increased, whereas TLR4 expression was decreased, by TLR ligand stimulation. MAPKs p38, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase were activated more strongly in M2 than in M1 macrophages by Pam3 or LPS.

Conclusions

We show that the anti-inflammatory activity of M2 macrophages is reduced in the presence of abundant TLR2 ligands without significant changes in cell surface markers. Thus, the classical M1/M2 paradigm based on cellular markers does not apply to macrophage functions in inflammatory conditions such as RA.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13075-017-1447-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Expression of CD markers' in immune thrombocytopenic purpura: prognostic approaches

Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) is a common autoimmune bleeding disorder characterized by a reduction in peripheral blood platelet counts. In this disease, autoantibodies (Auto-Abs) are produced against platelet GPIIb/GPIIIa by B cells, which require interaction with T cells. In this review, the importance of B and T lymphocytes in ITP prognosis has been studied. Relevant literature was identified by a PubMed search (1990-2016) of English-language papers using the terms B and T lymphocyte, platelet, CD markers and immune thrombocytopenic purpura. T and B lymphocytes are the main immune cells in the body. Defective function causes disrupted balance of different subgroups of lymphocytes, and abnormal expression of surface markers of these cells results in self-tolerance dysfunction, as well as induction of Auto-Abs against platelet glycoproteins (PG). Given the role of B and T cells in production of autoantibodies against PG, it can be stated that the detection of changes in CD markers' expression in these cells can be a good approach for assessing prognosis in ITP patients.

Evaluation of cost effective diagnostic tools in characterisation of Acute Leukemia in Southern India

The incidence of Acute Leukemia (AL) subtypes varies according to geographical distribution and more predominant in developing countries. The aim here was to evaluate the usefulness of cost effective diagnostic tools in characterization of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) in resource poor population. One hundred and two AL cases were diagnosed. For diagnosis, cytochemical analysis and immunohistochemistry were performed. Among the children < 12 years, ALL was 64.3% while AML accounted for 30%. In patients > 12 years, ALL was 59.4% and AML was 31.3%. The B-ALL occurred most frequently than T-ALL in both the age groups while based on immunophenotyping in AML, CD13 was the most commonly expressed antigen. Hence, cost effective diagnostic tools namely the immunophenotyping and cytochemistry are useful and improve accuracy and rapidly risk-stratify patients that were diagnosed with acute leukemia.

Identification and validation of multiple cell surface markers of clinical-grade adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells as novel release criteria for good manufacturing practice-compliant production

Background

Clinical translation of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) necessitates basic characterization of the cell product since variability in biological source and processing of MSCs may impact therapeutic outcomes. Although expression of classical cell surface markers (e.g., CD90, CD73, CD105, and CD44) is used to define MSCs, identification of functionally relevant cell surface markers would provide more robust release criteria and options for quality control. In addition, cell surface expression may distinguish between MSCs from different sources, including bone marrow-derived MSCs and clinical-grade adipose-derived MSCs (AMSCs) grown in human platelet lysate (hPL).

Methods

In this work we utilized quantitative PCR, flow cytometry, and RNA-sequencing to characterize AMSCs grown in hPL and validated non-classical markers in 15 clinical-grade donors.

Results

We characterized the surface marker transcriptome of AMSCs, validated the expression of classical markers, and identified nine non-classical markers (i.e., CD36, CD163, CD271, CD200, CD273, CD274, CD146, CD248, and CD140B) that may potentially discriminate AMSCs from other cell types. More importantly, these markers exhibit variability in cell surface expression among different cell isolates from a diverse cohort of donors, including freshly prepared, previously frozen, or proliferative state AMSCs and may be informative when manufacturing cells.

Conclusions

Our study establishes that clinical-grade AMSCs expanded in hPL represent a homogeneous cell culture population according to classical markers,. Additionally, we validated new biomarkers for further AMSC characterization that may provide novel information guiding the development of new release criteria.

Clinical trials

Use of Autologous Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate in Painful Knee Osteoarthritis (BMAC): Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01931007. Registered August 26, 2013.

MSC for Occlusive Disease of the Kidney: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01840540. Registered April 23, 2013.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy in Multiple System Atrophy: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02315027. Registered October 31, 2014.

Efficacy and Safety of Adult Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells to Treat Steroid Refractory Acute Graft Versus Host Disease. Clinicaltrials.gov NCT00366145. Registered August 17, 2006.

A Dose-escalation Safety Trial for Intrathecal Autologous Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01609283. Registered May 18, 2012.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13287-016-0370-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Advantages of Sheep Infrapatellar Fat Pad Adipose Tissue Derived Stem Cells in Tissue Engineering

PURPOSE

The goal of this study has been to evaluate adipose tissue derived stem cells (ADSCs) from infrapatellar fat pad and characterize their cell surface markers using anti-human antibodies, as adipose tissue derived stem cells (ADSCs) have great potential for cellular therapies to restore injured tissues.

METHODS

Adipose tissue was obtained from infrapatellar fat pad of sheep. Surface markers evaluated by flow cytometry. In order to evaluate cell adhesion, the Polycaprolactone (PCL) was sterilized under Ultraviolet (UV) light and about 1×10(5) cells were seeded on PCL. Then, ASCs- PCL construct were evaluated by Scanning Electron Microscopy (Mira3 Te Scan, Czech Republic).

RESULTS

We showed that adipose tissue derived stem cells (ADSCs) maintain their fibroblastic-like morphology during different subcultures and cell adhesion. They were positive for CD44 and CD90 markers and negative for CD31 and Cd45 markers by human antibodies.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that ASCs surface markers can be characterized by anti-human antibodies in sheep. As stem cells, they can be used in tissue engineering.

Identification of neutrophil surface marker changes in health and inflammation using high-throughput screening flow cytometry

Neutrophils are the most abundant white blood cell and are an essential component of the innate immune system. A complete cataloguing of cell surface markers has not been undertaken for neutrophils isolated from circulation as well as healthy and inflamed tissues. To identify cell-surface markers specific to human neutrophils, we used high-throughput flow cytometry to screen neutrophil populations isolated from blood and oral rinses from healthy and chronic periodontitis patients against a panel of 374 known cluster of differentiation (CD) antibodies. This screen identified CD11b, CD16, and CD66b as markers that are consistently expressed on neutrophils independent of the cell location, level of activation and disease state. Cell sorting against CD11b, CD16 and CD66b allowed for the enrichment of mature neutrophils, yielding neutrophil populations with up to 99% purity. These findings suggest an ideal surface marker set for isolating mature neutrophils from humans. The screen also demonstrated that tissue neutrophils from chronically inflamed tissue display a unique surface marker set compared to tissue neutrophils present in healthy, non-inflamed tissues.

Development and characterization of a cell line from tilapia head kidney with melanomacrophage characteristics

A novel cell line THK, derived from the tilapia head kidney, was developed and characterized. The THK cell line comprised fibroblastoid cells that markedly proliferated in Leibovitz L-15 medium containing 2%-15% fetal bovine serum (FBS) at 20 °C-35 °C. Cell proliferation was dependent on the FBS concentration, and the optimal temperature for proliferation ranged between 25 °C and 30 °C. THK cells were characterized for the presence of phagocytic activity, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, α-naphthyl acetate esterase, lipofuscin, and tyrosinase. Transcripts of CD33, CD53, CD82, CD205, macrophage colony stimulating factor receptor, GATA2, and GATA3 that are specific for leucocytes or monocytes/macrophages or both were detected in the THK cells through PCR. However, THK cells lacked for CD83, a specific marker for dendritic cells. The results indicated that the fibroblastoid THK cells were melanomacrophage-related progenitors. PCR revealed that the THK cells exhibited the transcripts of toll-like receptor 1 (TLR1), TLR2, TLR3, and CD200, of which concern with immunity as well as the transcripts of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3, angiomotin, and angiopoietin-like protein 2 that associate with angiogenesis regulation and macrophage proliferation. THK cells were subcultured more than 90 times and can be useful for investigating the development and functioning of the teleostean innate immune system.

Analysis of Lymphocyte Immunological Reactivity in Patients with Pleural Effusions of Different Aetiology

BACKGROUND

The proportion of T and B lymphocytes in pleural fluids and blood may point to the presence of local immunological phenomena in pleural disorders.

AIM

Aim of study was to evaluate the lymphocyte phenotype and the ratio between helper (CD4+) and cytotoxic/suppressor (CD8+) lymphocytes in malignant and non-malignant effusions.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We studied 48 patients with pleural effusions. First group had 18 patients with tuberculosis pleural effusions; second group had 20 patients with malignant pleural fluids, third group had 10 patients with transudates and 30 healthy controls. We investigated the distribution of T and B lymphocytes, T cells with helper/inducer CD4 or suppresser/cytotoxic CD8 phenotypes and the CD16 subset.

RESULTS

Results showed decreases levels of CD3, CD4, and CD16 T cells in blood of patients versus healthy controls. There were increases in the percentage of the CD3 and CD4 T cells in the pleural fluid compared with values in the blood with statistical significance in tuberculous pleurisy. The values of CD8 were similar in the pleural fluid and in blood. Levels of CD16 were non-significantly higher in pleural fluid in all groups.

CONCLUSION

This study confirms the hypothesis that pleural cavity is compartment with immunological reactivity and results could be used in differential diagnosis together with other examinations.

Mesenchymal stem cells: Identification, phenotypic characterization, biological properties and potential for regenerative medicine through biomaterial micro-engineering of their niche

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stem cells. Although they were originally identified in bone marrow and described as 'marrow stromal cells', they have since been identified in many other anatomical locations in the body. MSCs can be isolated from bone marrow, adipose tissue, umbilical cord and other tissues but the richest tissue source of MSCs is fat. Since they are adherent to plastic, they may be expanded in vitro. MSCs have a distinct morphology and express a specific set of CD (cluster of differentiation) molecules. The phenotypic pattern for the identification of MSCs cells requires expression of CD73, CD90, and CD105 and lack of CD34, CD45, and HLA-DR antigens. Under appropriate micro-environmental conditions MSCs can proliferate and give rise to other cell types. Therefore, they are ideally suited for the treatment of systemic inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. They have also been implicated as key players in regenerating injured tissue following injury and trauma. MSC populations isolated from adipose tissue may also contain regulatory T (Treg) cells, which have the capacity for modulating the immune system. The immunoregulatory and regenerative properties of MSCs make them ideal for use as therapeutic agents in vivo. In this paper we review the literature on the identification, phenotypic characterization and biological properties of MSCs and discuss their potential for applications in cell therapy and regenerative medicine. We also discuss strategies for biomaterial micro-engineering of the stem cell niche.

Aberrant phenotype in Iranian patients with acute myeloid leukemia

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of aberrant phenotypes and possible prognostic value in peripheral and bone marrow blood mononuclear cells of Iranian patients with AML.

METHODS

56 cases of de novo AML (2010-2012) diagnosed by using an acute panel of monoclonal antibodies by multiparametric flowcytometry. Immunophenotyping was done on fresh bone marrow aspirate and/or peripheral blood samples using the acute panel of MoAbs is stained with Phycoerythrin (PE) /fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), Allophycocyanin (APC) and Peridinin-chlorophyll protein complex (perCP). We investigated Co-expression of lymphoid-associated markers CD2, CD3, CD7, CD 10, CD19, CD20 and CD22 in myeloblasts.

RESULTS

Out of the 56 cases, 32 (57.1%) showed AP. CD7 was positive in 72.7% of cases in M1 and 28.5% in M2 but M3 and M4 cases lacked this marker. We detected CD2 in 58.35 of M1cases, 21.40% of M2 cases, 33.3 of M3 and 20% of M5; but M4 patients lacked this marker. The CBC analysis demonstrated a wide range of haemoglobin concentration, Platelet and WBC count which varied from normal to anaemia, thrombocytopenia to thrombocytosis and leukopenia to hyper leukocytosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings showed that CD7 and CD2 were the most common aberrant marker in Iranian patients with AML. However, we are not find any significant correlation between aberrant phenotype changing and MRD in our population. Taken together, this findings help to provide new insights in to the investigation of other aberrant phenotypes that may play roles in diagnosis and therapeutic of AML.

Phenotypic characterizations and comparison of adult dental stem cells with adipose-derived stem cells

OBJECTIVES

Mesenchymal stem cells or "multipotent stromal cells" are heterogeneous cell population with self-renewal and multilinage differentiation. The aim of this study was to examine and compare the expression of important stem cell surface markers on two populations of mesenchymal stem cells, one derived from human exfoliated deciduous teeth and the other derived from human adipose tissue. These new stem cells will offer a promising avenue for prevention and reversal of many human diseases such as type 1 diabetes and prevention of liver fibrotic process.

METHODS

Mesenchymal stem cells were isolated and cultured from human adipose tissue and dental pulp of human exfoliated deciduous teeth. The cultured cells then were harvested and stained by different fluorescent labeled monoclonal antibodies against surface markers and were analyzed using flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Both different cell populations expressed CD44, CD90 and CD13 (stem cell markers) with similar intensity. They did not express hematopoietic markers (CD11b, CD19 and CD34), and lymphocyte or leukocyte antigens CD3, CD7, CD20, CD14, CD45, CCR5 (CD195), CD11b and CD10 on their surfaces. Two different cell types demonstrated different levels of expression in CD56 and CD146. Mesenchymal stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth were positive for CD105 and were negative for CCR3 and CCR4 expression.

CONCLUSIONS

Both cell populations derived from adipose tissue and dental pulp showed common phenotypic markers of mesenchymal stem cells. In conclusion, mesenchymal stem cells could be isolated and cultured successfully from dental pulp of human exfoliated deciduous teeth, they are very good candidates for treatment and prevention of human diseases.