Membrane particles generated from mesenchymal stromal cells modulate immune responses by selective targeting of pro-inflammatory monocytes

Sci Rep. 2017 Sep 21;7(1):12100. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-12121-z.

Abstract

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) are a promising therapy for immunological disorders. However, culture expanded MSC are large and get trapped in the capillary networks of the lungs after intravenous infusion, where they have a short survival time. Hypothetically, living cells are a risk for tumor formation. To reduce risks associated with MSC infusion and improve the distribution in the body, we generated membrane particles (MP) of MSC and MSC stimulated with IFN-γ (MPγ). Tracking analysis and electron microscopy indicated that the average size of MP was 120 nm, and they showed a round shape. MP exhibited ATPase, nucleotidase and esterase activity, indicating they are enzymatically active. MP and MPγ did not physically interact with T cells and had no effect on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells proliferation. However, MP and MPγ selectively bound to monocytes and decreased the frequency of pro-inflammatory CD14+CD16+ monocytes by induction of selective apoptosis. MP and MPγ increased the percentage of CD90 positive monocytes, and MPγ but not MP increased the percentage of anti-inflammatory PD-L1 monocytes. MPγ increased mRNA expression of PD-L1 in monocytes. These data demonstrate that MP have immunomodulatory properties and have potential as a novel cell-free therapy for treatment of immunological disorders.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue / cytology
  • B7-H1 Antigen / genetics
  • B7-H1 Antigen / immunology*
  • B7-H1 Antigen / metabolism
  • Cell-Derived Microparticles / immunology*
  • Cell-Derived Microparticles / ultrastructure
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Gene Expression / drug effects
  • Immunomodulation / immunology
  • Inflammation Mediators / immunology*
  • Inflammation Mediators / metabolism
  • Interferon-gamma / pharmacology
  • Lymphocyte Activation / drug effects
  • Lymphocyte Activation / immunology
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / immunology*
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  • Monocytes / immunology*
  • Monocytes / metabolism
  • Particle Size
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / immunology
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / metabolism

Substances

  • B7-H1 Antigen
  • CD274 protein, human
  • Inflammation Mediators
  • Interferon-gamma