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Lam J, Yu J, Lee B, Campagna C, Yoo S, Baek K, Jeon NL, Sung KE. Characterizing On-Chip Angiogenesis Induction in a Microphysiological System as a Functional Measure of Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Bioactivity. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2024; 8:e2300094. [PMID: 37409400 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202300094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) continue to be proposed for clinical investigation to treat myriad diseases given their purported potential to stimulate endogenous regenerative processes, such as angiogenesis. However, MSC functional heterogeneity has hindered clinical success and still poses a substantial manufacturing challenge from a product quality control perspective. Here, a quantitative bioassay based on an enhanced-throughput is described, microphysiological system (MPS) to measure the specific bioactivity of MSCs to stimulate angiogenesis as a potential measure of MSC potency. Using this novel bioassay, MSCs derived from multiple donors at different passages are co-cultured with human umbilical vein endothelial cells and exhibit significant heterogeneity in angiogenic potency between donors and cell passage. Depending on donor source and cellular passage number, MSCs varied in their ability to stimulate tip cell dominant or stalk cell dominant phenotypes in angiogenic sprout morphology which correlated with expression levels of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). These findings suggest that MSC angiogenic bioactivity may be considered as a possible potency attribute in MSC quality control strategies. Development of a reliable and functionally relevant potency assay for measuring clinically relevant potency attributes of MSCs will help to improve consistency in quality and thereby, accelerate clinical development of these cell-based products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johnny Lam
- Office of Therapeutic Product, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 10903 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA
| | - James Yu
- Office of Therapeutic Product, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 10903 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Byungjun Lee
- Qureator, Inc., 7094 Miratech Drive, Suite 110, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Courtney Campagna
- Office of Therapeutic Product, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 10903 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA
| | - Sanghee Yoo
- Qureator, Inc., 7094 Miratech Drive, Suite 110, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Kyusuk Baek
- Qureator, Inc., 7094 Miratech Drive, Suite 110, San Diego, CA, 92121, USA
| | - Noo Li Jeon
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Advanced Machines and Design, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung E Sung
- Office of Therapeutic Product, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 10903 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA
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Castilla-Casadiego DA, Morton LD, Loh DH, Pineda-Hernandez A, Chavda AP, Garcia F, Rosales AM. Peptoid-Cross-Linked Hydrogel Stiffness Modulates Human Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Immunoregulatory Potential in the Presence of Interferon-Gamma. Macromol Biosci 2024; 24:e2400111. [PMID: 38567626 PMCID: PMC11250919 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202400111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Human mesenchymal stromal cell (hMSC) manufacturing requires the production of large numbers of therapeutically potent cells. Licensing with soluble cytokines improves hMSC therapeutic potency by enhancing secretion of immunoactive factors but typically decreases proliferative ability. Soft hydrogels, however, have shown promise for boosting immunomodulatory potential, which may compensate for decreased proliferation. Here, hydrogels are cross-linked with peptoids of different secondary structures to generate substrates of various bulk stiffnesses but fixed network connectivity. Secretions of interleukin 6, monocyte chemoattractive protein-1, macrophage colony-stimulating factor, and vascular endothelial growth factor are shown to depend on hydrogel stiffness in the presence of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) supplementation, with soft substrates further improving secretion. The immunological function of these secreted cytokines is then investigated via coculture of hMSCs seeded on hydrogels with primary peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in the presence and absence of IFN-γ. Cocultures with hMSCs seeded on softer hydrogels show decreased PBMC proliferation with IFN-γ. To probe possible signaling pathways, immunofluorescent studies probe the nuclear factor kappa B pathway and demonstrate that IFN-γ supplementation and softer hydrogel mechanics lead to higher activation of this pathway. Overall, these studies may allow for production of more efficacious therapeutic hMSCs in the presence of IFN-γ.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Logan D. Morton
- Mcketta Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Darren H. Loh
- Mcketta Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Aldaly Pineda-Hernandez
- Mcketta Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Ajay P. Chavda
- Mcketta Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Francis Garcia
- Mcketta Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Adrianne M. Rosales
- Mcketta Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
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Chen Q, Ao L, Zhao Q, Tang L, Xiong Y, Yuan Y, Wu X, Xing W, Li Z, Guo W, Liang H, Zheng SG, Lian Q, Lu D, Wan W, Xu X. WTAP/YTHDF1-mediated m 6A modification amplifies IFN-γ-induced immunosuppressive properties of human MSCs. J Adv Res 2024:S2090-1232(24)00256-X. [PMID: 38944238 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2024.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The immunosuppressive capacity of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is dependent on the "license" of several pro-inflammatory factors to express immunosuppressive molecular profiles, which determines the therapeutic efficacy of MSCs in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Of those, interferon-γ (IFN-γ) is a key inducer for the expression of immunosuppressive molecular profiles; however, the mechanism underlying this effect is unknown. OBJECTIVES To elucidate the regulation mechanism and biological functions of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification in the immunosuppressive functions by the IFN-γ-licensing MSCs. METHODS Epitranscriptomic microarray analysis and MeRIP-qPCR assay were performed to identify the regulatory effect of WTAP in the IFN-γ-licensing MSCs. RIP-qPCR, western blot, qRT-PCR and RNA stability assays were used to determine the regulation of WTAP/m6A/YTHDF1 signaling axis in the expression of immunosuppressive molecules. Further, functional capacity of T cells was tested using flow cytometry, and both DSS-induced colitis mice and CIA mice were constructed to clarify the effect of WTAP and YTHDF1 in MSC-mediated immunosuppression. RESULTS We identified that IFN-γ increased the m6A methylation levels of immunosuppressive molecules, while WTAP deficiency abolished the IFN-γ-induced promotion of m6A modification. IFN-γ activated ERK signaling, which induced WTAP phosphorylation. Additionally, the stabilization of WTAP post-transcriptionally increased the mRNA expression of immunosuppressive molecules (IDO1, PD-L1, ICAM1, and VCAM1) in an m6A-YTHDF1-dependent manner; this effect further impacted the immunosuppressive capacity of IFN-γ licensing MSCs on activated T cells. Notably, WTAP/YTHDF1 overexpression enhanced the therapeutic efficacy of IFN-γ licensing MSCs and restructures the ecology of inflammation in both colitis and arthritis models. CONCLUSION Our results showed that m6A modification of IDO1, PD-L1, ICAM1, and VCAM1 mRNA mediated by WTAP-YTHDF1 is involved in the regulation of IFN-γ licensing MSCs immunosuppressive abilities, and shed a light to enhance the clinical therapeutic potential of IFN-γ-licensing MSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China; Yunnan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Science and Technology Achievement Incubation Center, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Luoquan Ao
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Qing Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Lu Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Yanli Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China; Cancer Center, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China, No.10 Changjiang Zhi Rd, Yuzhong District, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Yuchuan Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Xiaofeng Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Wei Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Zhan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Wei Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Huaping Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Song Guo Zheng
- Department of Immunology, School of Cell and Gene Therapy, Songjiang Research Institute, Shanghai Songjiang District Central Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201600, China
| | - Qizhou Lian
- Faculty of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518000, China; Cord Blood Bank, Guangzhou Institute of Eugenics and Perinatology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510000, China; State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Di Lu
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Science and Technology Achievement Incubation Center, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Weijun Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China.
| | - Xiang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China; Yunnan Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Science and Technology Achievement Incubation Center, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China.
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Phinney DG. Alexander Friedenstein, Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Shifting Paradigms and Euphemisms. Bioengineering (Basel) 2024; 11:534. [PMID: 38927770 PMCID: PMC11201071 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11060534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Six decades ago, Friedenstein and coworkers published a series of seminal papers identifying a cell population in bone marrow with osteogenic potential, now referred to as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). This work was also instrumental in establishing the identity of hematopoietic stem cell and the identification of skeletal stem/progenitor cell (SSPC) populations in various skeletal compartments. In recognition of the centenary year of Friedenstein's birth, I review key aspects of his work and discuss the evolving concept of the MSC and its various euphemisms indorsed by changing paradigms in the field. I also discuss the recent emphasis on MSC stromal quality attributes and how emerging data demonstrating a mechanistic link between stromal and stem/progenitor functions bring renewed relevance to Friedenstein's contributions and much needed unity to the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald G Phinney
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation and Technology, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
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Cheng HY, Anggelia MR, Liu SC, Lin CF, Lin CH. Enhancing Immunomodulatory Function of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells by Hydrogel Encapsulation. Cells 2024; 13:210. [PMID: 38334602 PMCID: PMC10854565 DOI: 10.3390/cells13030210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) showcase remarkable immunoregulatory capabilities in vitro, positioning them as promising candidates for cellular therapeutics. However, the process of administering MSCs and the dynamic in vivo environment may impact the cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions of MSCs, consequently influencing their survival, engraftment, and their immunomodulatory efficacy. Addressing these concerns, hydrogel encapsulation emerges as a promising solution to enhance the therapeutic effectiveness of MSCs in vivo. Hydrogel, a highly flexible crosslinked hydrophilic polymer with a substantial water content, serves as a versatile platform for MSC encapsulation. Demonstrating improved engraftment and heightened immunomodulatory functions in vivo, MSCs encapsulated by hydrogel are at the forefront of advancing therapeutic outcomes. This review delves into current advancements in the field, with a focus on tuning various hydrogel parameters to elucidate mechanistic insights and elevate functional outcomes. Explored parameters encompass hydrogel composition, involving monomer type, functional modification, and co-encapsulation, along with biomechanical and physical properties like stiffness, viscoelasticity, topology, and porosity. The impact of these parameters on MSC behaviors and immunomodulatory functions is examined. Additionally, we discuss potential future research directions, aiming to kindle sustained interest in the exploration of hydrogel-encapsulated MSCs in the realm of immunomodulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Yun Cheng
- Center for Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (M.R.A.)
| | - Madonna Rica Anggelia
- Center for Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (M.R.A.)
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Shiao-Chin Liu
- Center for Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (M.R.A.)
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Fan Lin
- Center for Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (M.R.A.)
| | - Cheng-Hung Lin
- Center for Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (M.R.A.)
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
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Keshavarz R, Olsen S, Almeida B. Using biomaterials to improve mesenchymal stem cell therapies for chronic, nonhealing wounds. Bioeng Transl Med 2024; 9:e10598. [PMID: 38193114 PMCID: PMC10771568 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Historically, treatment of chronic, nonhealing wounds has focused on managing symptoms using biomaterial-based wound dressings, which do not adequately address the underlying clinical issue. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a promising cell-based therapy for the treatment of chronic, nonhealing wounds, yet inherent cellular heterogeneity and susceptibility to death during injection limit their clinical use. Recently, researchers have begun to explore the synergistic effects of combined MSC-biomaterial therapies, where the biomaterial serves as a scaffold to protect the MSCs and provides physiologically relevant physicochemical cues that can direct MSC immunomodulatory behavior. In this review, we highlight recent progress in this field with a focus on the most commonly used biomaterials, classified based on their source, including natural biomaterials, synthetic biomaterials, and the combination of natural and synthetic biomaterials. We also discuss current challenges regarding the clinical translation of these therapies, as well as a perspective on the future outlook of the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romina Keshavarz
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular EngineeringClarkson UniversityPotsdamNew YorkUSA
| | - Sara Olsen
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular EngineeringClarkson UniversityPotsdamNew YorkUSA
| | - Bethany Almeida
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular EngineeringClarkson UniversityPotsdamNew YorkUSA
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Haseli M, Pinzon-Herrera L, Hao X, Wickramasinghe SR, Almodovar J. Novel Strategy to Enhance Human Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Immunosuppression: Harnessing Interferon-Gamma Presentation in Metal-Organic Frameworks Embedded on Heparin/Collagen Multilayers. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2023; 39:16472-16483. [PMID: 37944116 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.3c02355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
The immunomodulatory potential of human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) can be boosted when exposed to interferon-gamma (IFN-γ). While pretreating hMSCs with IFN-γ is a common practice to enhance their immunomodulatory effects, the challenge lies in maintaining a continuous IFN-γ presence within cellular environments. Therefore, in this research, we investigate the sustainable presence of IFN-γ in the cell culture medium by immobilizing it in water-stable metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) [PCN-333(Fe)]. The immobilized IFN-γ in MOFs was coated on top of multilayers composed of combinations of heparin (HEP) and collagen (COL) that were used as a bioactive surface. Multilayers were created by using a layer-by-layer assembly technique, with the final layer alternating between collagen (COL) and heparin (HEP). We evaluated the viability, differentiation, and immunomodulatory activity of hMSCs cultured on (HEP/COL) coated with immobilized IFN-γ in MOFs after 3 and 6 days of culture. Cell viability, compared to tissue culture plastic, was not affected by immobilized IFN-γ in MOFs when they were coated on (HEP/COL) multilayers. We also verified that the osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of the hMSCs remained unchanged. The immunomodulatory activity of hMSCs was evaluated by examining the expression of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) and 11 essential immunomodulatory markers. After 6 days of culture, IDO expression and the expression of 11 immunomodulatory markers were higher in (HEP/COL) coated with immobilized IFN-γ in MOFs. Overall, (HEP/COL) multilayers coated with immobilized IFN-γ in MOFs provide a sustained presentation of cytokines to potentiate the hMSC immunomodulatory activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Haseli
- Ralph E. Martin Department of Chemical Engineering, 3202 Bell Engineering Center, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, United States
| | - Luis Pinzon-Herrera
- Ralph E. Martin Department of Chemical Engineering, 3202 Bell Engineering Center, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, United States
| | - Xiaolei Hao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Arkansas, John A. White, Jr. Engineering Hall, 790 W. Dickson St. Suite 120, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, United States
| | - S Ranil Wickramasinghe
- Ralph E. Martin Department of Chemical Engineering, 3202 Bell Engineering Center, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, United States
| | - Jorge Almodovar
- Ralph E. Martin Department of Chemical Engineering, 3202 Bell Engineering Center, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, United States
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Selich A, Fleischauer J, Roepke T, Weisskoeppel L, Galla M, von Kaisenberg C, Maus UA, Schambach A, Rothe M. Inflammation-inducible promoters to overexpress immune inhibitory factors by MSCs. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:270. [PMID: 37742038 PMCID: PMC10518110 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03501-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are excessively investigated in the context of inflammation-driven diseases, but the clinical results are often moderate. MSCs are naturally activated by inflammatory signals, which lead to the secretion of immune inhibitory factors in inflamed tissues. Many work groups try to improve the therapeutic outcome of MSCs by genetic modification and the constitutive overexpression of immune modulatory transgenes. However, the ectopic secretion of immune inhibitory transgenes increases the chances of infections, and constitutive transgene expression is not necessary for chronic diseases undergoing different inflammatory stages. METHODS We designed and tested inflammation-induced promoters to control transgene expression from integrating lentiviral vectors in human umbilical cord MSCs. Therefore, we investigated different combinations of general transcription factor elements to achieve a minimal promoter with low basal activity. The best candidates were combined with interferon-induced GAS or ISRE DNA motifs. The constructs with the highest transgene expression upon addition of pro-inflammatory cytokines were compared to vectorized promoters from inflammation-induced genes (CD317, CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11 and IDO1). Finally, we investigated IL10 as a potential immune inhibitory transgene by transcriptome analyses, ELISA and in an acute lung injury mouse model. RESULTS The synthetic promoters achieved a high and specific transgene expression upon IFN-γ addition. However, the CXCL11 promoter showed synergistic activity upon IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL1-β treatment and surpassed the transgene expression height of all tested promoters in the study. We observed in transcriptome analyses that IL10 has no effect on MSCs and in ELISA that IL10 is only secreted by our genetically modified and activated CXCL11-IL10-MSCs. Finally, transplanted CXCL11-IL10-MSCs increased CD19+ and CD4+ lymphoid cells, and decreased CD11b+ Ly6g myeloid cells in an ALI mouse model. CONCLUSION These results provide new insights into MSC inflammatory activation and the subsequent translation into a tool for a tailored expression of transgenes in inflammatory microenvironments. The newly developed promoter elements are potentially interesting for other inflamed tissues, and can be combined with other elements or used in other cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton Selich
- Hannover Medical School, Institute of Experimental Hematology, Building J11, HBZ, Level 01, Room, 6540, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jenni Fleischauer
- Hannover Medical School, Institute of Experimental Hematology, Building J11, HBZ, Level 01, Room, 6540, Hannover, Germany
| | - Tina Roepke
- Division of Experimental Pneumology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Luisa Weisskoeppel
- Hannover Medical School, Institute of Experimental Hematology, Building J11, HBZ, Level 01, Room, 6540, Hannover, Germany
| | - Melanie Galla
- Hannover Medical School, Institute of Experimental Hematology, Building J11, HBZ, Level 01, Room, 6540, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Ulrich A Maus
- Division of Experimental Pneumology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- German Center for Lung Research, Partner Site BREATH, Hannover, Germany
| | - Axel Schambach
- Hannover Medical School, Institute of Experimental Hematology, Building J11, HBZ, Level 01, Room, 6540, Hannover, Germany
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael Rothe
- Hannover Medical School, Institute of Experimental Hematology, Building J11, HBZ, Level 01, Room, 6540, Hannover, Germany.
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Wang L, Qi C, Cao H, Zhang Y, Liu X, Qiu L, Wang H, Xu L, Wu Z, Liu J, Wang S, Kong D, Wang Y. Engineered Cytokine-Primed Extracellular Vesicles with High PD-L1 Expression Ameliorate Type 1 Diabetes. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2301019. [PMID: 37209021 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202301019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Type 1 diabetes (T1D), which is a chronic autoimmune disease, results from the destruction of insulin-producing β cells targeted by autoreactive T cells. The recent discovery that mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) function as therapeutic tools for autoimmune conditions has attracted substantial attention. However, the in vivo distribution and therapeutic effects of MSC-EVs potentiated by pro-inflammatory cytokines in the context of T1D have yet to be established. Here, it is reported that hexyl 5-aminolevulinate hydrochloride (HAL)-loaded engineered cytokine-primed MSC-EVs (H@TI-EVs) with high expression of immune checkpoint molecule programmed death-legend 1 (PD-L1) exert excellent inflammatory targeting and immunosuppressive effects for T1D imaging and therapy. The accumulated H@TI-EVs in injured pancreas not only enabled the fluorescence imaging and tracking of TI-EVs through the intermediate product protoporphyrin (PpIX) generated by HAL, but also promoted the proliferative and anti-apoptotic effects of islet β cells. Further analysis revealed that H@TI-EVs exhibited an impressive ability to reduce CD4+ T cell density and activation through the PD-L1/PD-1 axis, and induced M1-to-M2 macrophage transition to reshape the immune microenvironment, exhibiting high therapeutic efficiency in mice with T1D. This work identifies a novel strategy for the imaging and treatment of T1D with great potential for clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanxing Wang
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Chunxiao Qi
- Department of Pharmacology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Hongmei Cao
- Key Laboratory of Radiopharmacokinetics for Innovative Drugs, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300192, China
| | - Yanwen Zhang
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Xing Liu
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Lina Qiu
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Hang Wang
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Lijuan Xu
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Zhenzhou Wu
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Jianfeng Liu
- Key Laboratory of Radiopharmacokinetics for Innovative Drugs, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Molecular Nuclear Medicine, Institute of Radiation Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300192, China
| | - Shusen Wang
- Institute of Transplant Medicine, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300192, China
| | - Deling Kong
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials for the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Yuebing Wang
- School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
- Department of Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300192, China
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Yang W, Xu M, Xu S, Guan Q, Geng S, Wang J, Wei W, Xu H, Liu Y, Meng Y, Gao MQ. Single-cell RNA reveals a tumorigenic microenvironment in the interface zone of human breast tumors. Breast Cancer Res 2023; 25:100. [PMID: 37644609 PMCID: PMC10463980 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-023-01703-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The interface zone, area around invasive carcinoma, can be thought of as the actual tissue of the tumor microenvironment with precedent alterations for tumor invasion. However, the heterogeneity and characteristics of the microenvironment in the interface area have not yet been thoroughly explored. METHODS For in vitro studies, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was used to characterize the cells from the tumor zone, the normal zone and the interface zone with 5-mm-wide belts between the tumor invasion front and the normal zone. Through scRNA-seq data analysis, we compared the cell types and their transcriptional characteristics in the different zones. Pseudotime, cell-cell communication and pathway analysis were performed to characterize the zone-specific microenvironment. Cell proliferation, wound healing and clone formation experiments explored the function of differentially expressed gene BMPR1B, which were confirmed by tumor models in vivo. RESULTS After screening, 88,548 high-quality cells were obtained and identified. Regulatory T cells, M2 macrophages, angiogenesis-related mast cells, stem cells with weak DNA repair ability, endothelial cells with angiogenic activity, fibroblasts with collagen synthesis and epithelial cells with proliferative activity form a unique tumorigenic microenvironment in the interface zone. Cell-cell communication analysis revealed that there are special ligand-receptor pairs between different cell types in the interface zone, which protects endothelial cell apoptosis and promotes epithelial cell proliferation and migration, compared to the normal zone. Compared with the normal zone, the highly expressed BMPR1B gene promotes the tumorigenic ability of cancer cells in the interface zone. CONCLUSIONS Our work identified a unique tumorigenic microenvironment of the interface zone and allowed for deeper insights into the tumor microenvironment of breast cancer that will serve as a helpful resource for advancing breast cancer diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Meiyu Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Shuoqi Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Qingxian Guan
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Shuaiming Geng
- College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Juanhong Wang
- Department of Pathology, Xi'an No.3 Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Department of Pathology, Xi'an No.3 Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Hongwei Xu
- Basic Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Basic Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yong Meng
- School of Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ming-Qing Gao
- School of Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an, China.
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11
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Phipps J, Haseli M, Pinzon-Herrera L, Wilson B, Corbitt J, Servoss S, Almodovar J. Delivery of Immobilized IFN-γ With PCN-333 and Its Effect on Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:671-679. [PMID: 36598843 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c01038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) plays a vital role in modulating the immunosuppressive properties of human mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (hMSCs) used in cell therapies. However, IFN-γ suffers from low bioavailability and degrades in media, creating a challenge when using IFN-γ during the manufacturing of hMSCs. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), with their porous interiors, biocompatibility, high loading capacity, and ability to be functionalized for targeting, have become an increasingly suitable platform for protein delivery. In this work, we synthesize the MOF PCN-333(Fe) and show that it can be utilized to immobilize and deliver IFN-γ to the local extracellular environment of hMSCs. In doing so, the cells proliferate and differentiate appropriately with no observed side effects. We demonstrate that PCN-333(Fe) MOFs containing IFN-γ are not cytotoxic to hMSCs, can promote the expression of proteins that play a role in immune response, and are capable of inducing indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) production similar to that of soluble IFN-γ at lower concentrations. Overall, using MOFs to deliver IFN-γ may be leveraged in the future in the manufacturing of therapeutically relevant hMSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josh Phipps
- Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, United States
| | - Mahsa Haseli
- Ralph E. Martin Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, United States
| | - Luis Pinzon-Herrera
- Ralph E. Martin Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, United States
| | - Ben Wilson
- Ralph E. Martin Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, United States
| | - Joshua Corbitt
- Ralph E. Martin Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, United States
| | - Shannon Servoss
- Ralph E. Martin Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, United States
| | - Jorge Almodovar
- Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Program, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, United States.,Ralph E. Martin Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, United States
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12
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Porter AP, Pirlot BM, Dyer K, Uwazie CC, Nguyen J, Turner C, Rajan D, Hematti P, Chinnadurai R. Conglomeration of T- and B-Cell Matrix Responses Determines the Potency of Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stromal Cells. Stem Cells 2022; 40:1134-1148. [PMID: 36056823 DOI: 10.1093/stmcls/sxac064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Cell manufacturing facilities need to define the potency of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) as cellular therapeutics in advanced clinical trials or marketing approval. Since MSCs' mechanism of action in humans is not well defined, more than a single functional property of MSCs needs to be captured as a surrogate measure of potency utilizing assay matrix technologies. However, the current limitation is the sole investigation of MSC-mediated T-cell suppression as a surrogate measure of potency. We investigated the effect of MSCs on B-cell matrix responses to be incorporated into the assay matrix potency analytical system. Our results demonstrate that MSCs inhibit B-cell differentiation and block pan-antibody secretion upon activation of B cells in the PBMCs. In contrast, MSCs are inferior in blocking B-cell matrix responses when purified B cells are used. Mechanistic analysis has demonstrated that MSC-mediated inhibition of B-cell matrix responses is non-contact dependent and Tryptophan metabolic pathway plays a major role, akin to the mechanism of MSC-mediated T-cell suppression. MSCs also inhibit both T-cell and B-cell responses when both of these lymphoid populations are concurrently activated in the PBMCs. Secretome analysis of MSC and T/B cell-activated PBMC cocultures identified direct and inverse correlative matrix signatures between humoral antibody isotypes and secretory molecules. The current analysis of the combined and concomitant investigation of T-cell and B-cell matrix responses fulfills the potency assay matrix strategy by incorporating MSCs' interaction with more than a single inflammatory immune responder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda P Porter
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Savannah, GA, USA
| | - Bonnie M Pirlot
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Savannah, GA, USA
| | - Kalyn Dyer
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Savannah, GA, USA
| | - Crystal C Uwazie
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Savannah, GA, USA
| | - Jimmy Nguyen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Savannah, GA, USA
| | - Caitlin Turner
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Savannah, GA, USA
| | - Devi Rajan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Savannah, GA, USA
| | - Peiman Hematti
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin Madison, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Raghavan Chinnadurai
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Savannah, GA, USA
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13
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Lam J, Lee B, Yu J, Kwee BJ, Kim Y, Kim J, Choi Y, Yoon JS, Kim Y, Baek K, Jeon NL, Sung KE. A microphysiological system-based potency bioassay for the functional quality assessment of mesenchymal stromal cells targeting vasculogenesis. Biomaterials 2022; 290:121826. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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14
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Haseli M, Castilla-Casadiego DA, Pinzon-Herrera L, Hillsley A, Miranda-Munoz KA, Sivaraman S, Rosales AM, Rao RR, Almodovar J. Immunomodulatory functions of human mesenchymal stromal cells are enhanced when cultured on HEP/COL multilayers supplemented with interferon-gamma. Mater Today Bio 2022; 13:100194. [PMID: 35005599 PMCID: PMC8715375 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2021.100194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) are multipotent cells that have been proposed for cell therapies due to their immunosuppressive capacity that can be enhanced in the presence of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ). In this study, multilayers of heparin (HEP) and collagen (COL) (HEP/COL) were used as a bioactive surface to enhance the immunomodulatory activity of hMSCs using soluble IFN-γ. Multilayers were formed, via layer-by-layer assembly, varying the final layer between COL and HEP and supplemented with IFN-γ in the culture medium. We evaluated the viability, adhesion, real-time growth, differentiation, and immunomodulatory activity of hMSCs on (HEP/COL) multilayers. HMSCs viability, adhesion, and growth were superior when cultured on (HEP/COL) multilayers compared to tissue culture plastic. We also confirmed that hMSCs osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation remained unaffected when cultured in (HEP/COL) multilayers in the presence of IFN-γ. We measured the immunomodulatory activity of hMSCs by measuring the level of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) expression. IDO expression was higher on (HEP/COL) multilayers treated with IFN-γ. Lastly, we evaluated the suppression of peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) proliferation when co-cultured with hMSCs on (HEP/COL) multilayers with IFN-γ. hMSCs cultured in (HEP/COL) multilayers in the presence of soluble IFN-γ have a greater capacity to suppress PBMC proliferation. Altogether, (HEP/COL) multilayers with IFN-γ in culture medium provides a potent means of enhancing and sustaining immunomodulatory activity to control hMSCs immunomodulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Haseli
- Ralph E. Martin Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Arkansas, 3202 Bell Engineering Center, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA
| | - David A. Castilla-Casadiego
- Ralph E. Martin Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Arkansas, 3202 Bell Engineering Center, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA
- Mcketta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Luis Pinzon-Herrera
- Ralph E. Martin Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Arkansas, 3202 Bell Engineering Center, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA
| | - Alexander Hillsley
- Mcketta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Katherine A. Miranda-Munoz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA
| | - Srikanth Sivaraman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA
| | - Adrianne M. Rosales
- Mcketta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Raj R. Rao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA
| | - Jorge Almodovar
- Ralph E. Martin Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Arkansas, 3202 Bell Engineering Center, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA
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