Induction of mixed chimerism using combinatory cell-based immune modulation with mesenchymal stem cells and regulatory T cells for solid-organ transplant tolerance

Stem Cells Dev. 2014 Oct 1;23(19):2364-76. doi: 10.1089/scd.2013.0617. Epub 2014 Jun 26.

Abstract

Establishment of mixed chimerism is an ideal approach to induce donor-specific tolerance while expanding its potential in various clinical settings. Despite the developments in partial conditioning regimens, improvements are still needed in reducing toxicity and bone marrow transplantation-related complications. Recently, cell-based therapies, including mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), have been incorporated in establishing noncytoreductive mixed chimerism protocols; however, its efficacy is only partial and shows reversed immunosuppressive properties. This study demonstrates a novel approach to induce mixed chimerism and tolerance through combinatory cell-based immune modulation (CCIM) of MSCs and regulatory T cells (Tregs). We hypothesize that the interaction between these cells may lead to greater inhibition of host immune responses. Compared with single cell therapy, CCIM induced a higher engraftment rate and robust donor-specific tolerance to skin allografts across full major histocompatibility complex barriers. These regulatory effects were associated with inhibition of natural killer cell cytotoxic activity, CD4(+)IL-17(+) cells, memory B cells, plasma cells, and immunoglobulin production levels along with increased frequencies of CD4(+)Foxp3(+) cells, IL-10-producing mature B cells, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Furthermore, CCIM was able to regulate mortality in a graft-versus-host disease model through reciprocal regulation of Treg/Th17. Taken together, we suggest CCIM as a clinically applicable strategy for facilitating the induction of mixed chimerism and permanent tolerance.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bone Marrow Transplantation / methods
  • Female
  • Graft Survival / immunology*
  • Graft vs Host Disease / immunology*
  • Immune Tolerance* / immunology
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology*
  • Transplantation Chimera / immunology*
  • Transplantation Conditioning / methods