Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells induce expansion of interleukin-10-producing regulatory B cells and ameliorate autoimmunity in a murine model of systemic lupus erythematosus

Cell Transplant. 2015;24(11):2367-77. doi: 10.3727/096368914X685645. Epub 2014 Dec 12.

Abstract

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells characterized by immunomodulatory properties and are therefore considered a promising tool for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. One functional B-cell subset, regulatory B cells (Bregs), has recently been shown to restrain excessive inflammatory responses in autoimmune diseases. In the present study, we investigated the impact of human adipose-derived MSCs on Bregs and their therapeutic effect in an animal model of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Coculture of human adipose-derived MSCs with splenocytes from C57BL/6 mice expanded the population of interleukin-10-producing B cells (B10 B cells). In vivo treatment with human adipose-derived MSCs reduced serum anti-double-stranded antibody levels and improved renal pathology of lupus mice (Roquin(san/san) mice). MSCs decreased ICOS(+)CD44(+) follicular helper T cells, Th1 cells and Th17 cells, in spleens of Roquin(san/san) mice. In contrast, MSCs increased Foxp3-expressing regulatory T cells. MSCs also decreased the size and number of germinal centers and effector B cells. As expected, in vivo treatment with MSCs expanded the population of Bregs in spleens of Roquin(san/san) mice. Our results indicate that human adipose-derived MSCs induce the expansion of Bregs and ameliorate autoimmunity in a murine model of SLE. These findings suggest that human adipose-derived MSCs may be a promising therapeutic strategy targeting B-cell-mediated autoimmune diseases such as SLE.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue / cytology*
  • Animals
  • B-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology*
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Female
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-10 / metabolism*
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / physiopathology
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / therapy*
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Spleen / cytology
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases / genetics

Substances

  • Forkhead Transcription Factors
  • Foxp3 protein, mouse
  • IL10 protein, mouse
  • Interleukin-10
  • Rc3h1 protein, mouse
  • Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases