Suppression of T cell proliferation by root apical papilla stem cells in vitro

Cells Tissues Organs. 2010;191(5):357-64. doi: 10.1159/000276589. Epub 2010 Jan 14.

Abstract

The use of allogeneic stem cells strongly extends the range of stem cell applications in dentistry; however, immunological rejection remains a major concern. There is little information about the immunological features of dental-related stem cells in the literature. Therefore, we investigated the immunological characteristics of stem cells from the root apical papilla (SCAP) of swine in vitro by measuring T cell immunomodulation and apoptosis. We found that SCAP expressed a low level of swine leukocyte antigen (SLA) class I molecules and were negative for SLA class II DR molecules. Moreover, SCAP could inhibit autologous T cell proliferation stimulated by phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and a one-way mixed lymphocyte reaction in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, SCAP could suppress proliferation of allogeneic T cells in a dose-dependent manner, with or without mitomycin C pretreatment. Moreover, soluble factor(s) may be involved in the SCAP-mediated immune suppression. After a 5-day coculture of SCAP, allogeneic T cells, and PHA, only 1.22% of T cells were apoptotic. These data indicated that SCAP were weakly immunogenic and suppressed T cell proliferation in vitro through an apoptosis-independent mechanism.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apoptosis / drug effects
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Female
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class II
  • Lymphocyte Activation / drug effects
  • Male
  • Stem Cells / cytology
  • Stem Cells / immunology*
  • Swine
  • Swine, Miniature
  • T-Lymphocytes / physiology*
  • Tooth Apex / cytology*
  • Tooth Apex / immunology*

Substances

  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class II
  • swine leukocyte antigen