Analysis of allogenicity of mesenchymal stem cells in engraftment and wound healing in mice

PLoS One. 2009 Sep 22;4(9):e7119. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0007119.

Abstract

Studies have shown that allogeneic (allo-) bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) may enhance tissue repair/regeneration. However, recent studies suggest that immune rejection may occur to allo-MSCs leading to reduced engraftment. In this study, we compared allo-BM-MSCs with syngeneic BM-MSCs or allo-fibroblasts in engraftment and effect in wound healing. Equal numbers of GFP-expressing allo-BM-MSCs, syngeneic BM-MSCs or allo-fibroblasts were implanted into excisional wounds in GFP-negative mice. Quantification of GFP-expressing cells in wounds at 7, 14 and 28 days indicated similar amounts of allogeneic or syngeneic BM-MSCs but significantly reduced amounts of allo-fibroblasts. With healing progression, decreasing amounts of allogeneic and syngeneic BM-MSCs were found in the wound; however, the reduction was more evident (2 fold) in allo-fibroblasts. Similar effects in enhancing wound closure were found in allogeneic and syngeneic BM-MSCs but not in allo-fibroblasts. Histological analysis showed that allo-fibroblasts were largely confined to the injection sites while allo-BM-MSCs had migrated into the entire wound. Quantification of inflammatory cells in wounds showed that allo-fibroblast- but not allo-BM-MSC-treated wounds had significantly increased CD45+ leukocytes, CD3+ lymphocytes and CD8+ T cells. Our study suggests that allogeneic BM-MSCs exhibit ignorable immunogenicity and are equally efficient as syngeneic BM-MSCs in engraftment and in enhancing wound healing.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bone Marrow Cells / cytology
  • CD3 Complex / biosynthesis
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / cytology
  • Fibroblasts / metabolism
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins / metabolism
  • Inflammation
  • Leukocyte Common Antigens / biosynthesis
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / immunology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Regeneration
  • Time Factors
  • Transplantation, Homologous
  • Wound Healing*

Substances

  • CD3 Complex
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins
  • Leukocyte Common Antigens