Preconditioning human natural killer cells with chorionic villous mesenchymal stem cells stimulates their expression of inflammatory and anti-tumor molecules

Mesenchymal Stem Cells-based Cell-free Therapy Targeting Neuroinflammation

Emerging from several decades of extensive research, key genetic elements and biochemical mechanisms implicated in neuroinflammation have been delineated, contributing substantially to our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs). In this minireview, we discuss data predominantly from the past three years, highlighting the pivotal roles and mechanisms of the two principal cell types implicated in neuroinflammation. The review also underscores the extended process of peripheral inflammation that predates symptomatic onset, the critical influence of neuroinflammation, and their dynamic interplay in the pathogenesis of NDDs. Confronting these complex challenges, we introduce compelling evidence supporting the use of mesenchymal stem cell-based cell-free therapy. This therapeutic strategy includes the regulation of microglia and astrocytes, modulation of peripheral nerve cell inflammation, and targeted anti-inflammatory interventions specifically designed for NDDs, while also discussing engineering and safety considerations. This innovative therapeutic approach intricately modulates the immune system across the peripheral and nervous systems, with an emphasis on achieving superior penetration and targeted delivery. The insights offered by this review have significant implications for the better understanding and management of neuroinflammation.

Seaweed-derived phenolic compounds as diverse bioactive molecules: A review on identification, application, extraction and purification strategies

Seaweed, a diverse group of marine macroalgae, has emerged as a rich source of bioactive compounds with numerous health-promoting properties. Among these, phenolic compounds have garnered significant attention for their diverse therapeutic applications. This review examines the methodologies employed in the extraction and purification of phenolic compounds from seaweed, emphasizing their importance in unlocking the full potential of these oceanic treasures. The article provides a comprehensive overview of the structural diversity and biological activities of seaweed-derived phenolics, elucidating their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Furthermore, it explores the impact of extraction techniques, including conventional methods and modern green technologies, on the yield and quality of phenolic extracts. The purification strategies for isolating specific phenolic compounds are also discussed, shedding light on the challenges and advancements in this field. Additionally, the review highlights the potential applications of seaweed-derived phenolics in various industries, such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and functional foods, underscoring the economic value of these compounds. Finally, future perspectives and research directions are proposed to encourage continued exploration of seaweed phenolics, fostering a deeper understanding of their therapeutic potential and promoting sustainable practices in the extraction and purification processes. This comprehensive review serves as a valuable resource for researchers, industry professionals, and policymakers interested in harnessing the untapped potential of phenolic compounds from seaweed for the betterment of human health and environmental sustainability.

Analysis of NK-92 cytotoxicity in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell lines and patient-derived xenografts using impedance-based growth method

Natural killer (NK) cells are innate immune cells that can remove viral-infected tumour cells without antigen priming. This characteristic offers NK cells an edge over other immune cells as a potential therapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). In this study, we report how cytotoxicity was evaluated in target NPC cell lines and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) cells with effector NK-92, a commercially available NK cell line, by using xCELLigence RTCA system (a real-time, label-free impedance-based monitoring platform). Cell viability, proliferation and cytotoxicity were examined by RTCA. Cell morphology, growth and cytotoxicity were also monitored by microscopy. RTCA and microscopy showed that both target and effector cells were able to proliferate normally and to maintain original morphology in co-culture medium as they were in their own respective culture medium. As target and effector (T:E) cell ratios increased, cell viability as measured by arbitrary cell index (CI) values in RTCA decreased in all cell lines and PDX cells. NPC PDX cells were more sensitive to the cytotoxicity effect of NK-92 cells, than the NPC cell lines. These data were substantiated by GFP-based microscopy. We have shown how the RTCA system can be used for a high throughput screening of the effects of NK cells in cancer studies to obtain data such as cell viability, proliferation and cytotoxicity.

Phenolic metabolites as therapeutic in inflammation and neoplasms: molecular pathways explaining their efficacy

Polyphenols, also known as phenolic compounds, are chemical substances containing aromatic rings as well as at least two hydroxyl groups. Natural phenolic compounds exist widely in plants, which protect plants from ultraviolet radiation and other insults. Phenolic compounds have superior pharmacological and nutritional properties (antimicrobial, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-sclerosis, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities), which have been paid more and more attention by the scientific community. Phenols can protect key cellular components from reactive free radical damage, which is mainly due to their property to activate antioxidant enzymes and alleviate oxidative stress and inflammation. It can also inhibit or isolate reactive oxygen species and transfer electrons to free radicals, thereby avoiding cell damage. It has a regulatory role in glucose metabolism, which has a promising prospect in the prevention and intervention of diabetes. It also prevents cardiovascular disease by regulating blood pressure and blood lipids. Polyphenols can inhibit cell proliferation by affecting Erk1/2, CDK, and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. Polyphenols can function as enhancers of intrinsic defense systems, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX). Simultaneously, they can modulate multiple proteins and transcription factors, making them promising candidates in the investigation of anti-cancer medications. This review focuses on multiple aspects of phenolic substances, including their natural origins, production process, disinfection activity, oxidative and anti-inflammatory functions, and the effects of different phenolic substances on tumors.

Preconditioned Chorionic Villus Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells (CVMSCs) Minimize the Invasive Phenotypes of Breast Cancer Cell Line MDA231 In Vitro

Among the newer choices of targeted therapies against cancer, stem cell therapy is gaining importance because of their antitumor properties. Stem cells suppress growth, metastasis, and angiogenesis, and induce apoptosis in cancer cells. In this study, we have examined the impact of the cellular component and the secretome of preconditioned and naïve placenta-derived Chorionic Villus Mesenchymal Stem Cells (CVMSCs) on the functional characteristics of the Human Breast Cancer cell line MDA231. MDA231 cells were treated with preconditioned CVMSCs and their conditioned media (CM), followed by an evaluation of their functional activities and modulation in gene and protein expression. Human Mammary Epithelial Cells (HMECs) were used as a control. CM obtained from the preconditioned CVMSCs significantly altered the proliferation of MDA231 cells, yet no change in other phenotypes, such as adhesion, migration, and invasion, were observed at various concentrations and time points tested. However, the cellular component of preconditioned CVMSCs significantly inhibited several phenotypes of MDA231 cells, including proliferation, migration, and invasion. CVMSCs-treated MDA231 cells exhibited modulation in the expression of various genes involved in apoptosis, oncogenesis, and Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EMT), explaining the changes in the invasive behavior of MDA231 cells. These studies reveal that preconditioned CVMSCs may make useful candidate in a stem cell-based therapy against cancer.

Mesenchymal stem cells-based therapy in liver diseases

Multiple immune cells and their products in the liver together form a complex and unique immune microenvironment, and preclinical models have demonstrated the importance of imbalances in the hepatic immune microenvironment in liver inflammatory diseases and immunocompromised liver diseases. Various immunotherapies have been attempted to modulate the hepatic immune microenvironment for the purpose of treating liver diseases. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have a comprehensive and plastic immunomodulatory capacity. On the one hand, they have been tried for the treatment of inflammatory liver diseases because of their excellent immunosuppressive capacity; On the other hand, MSCs have immune-enhancing properties in immunocompromised settings and can be modified into cellular carriers for targeted transport of immune enhancers by genetic modification, physical and chemical loading, and thus they are also used in the treatment of immunocompromised liver diseases such as chronic viral infections and hepatocellular carcinoma. In this review, we discuss the immunological basis and recent strategies of MSCs for the treatment of the aforementioned liver diseases. Specifically, we update the immune microenvironment of the liver and summarize the distinct mechanisms of immune microenvironment imbalance in inflammatory diseases and immunocompromised liver diseases, and how MSCs can fully exploit their immunotherapeutic role in liver diseases with both immune imbalance patterns.

Co-culture with chorionic villous mesenchymal stem cells promotes endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis via ABCA9-AKT pathway

Human chorionic villous mesenchymal stem cells (CV-MSCs) are a promising and effective therapeutic option for tissue injury. Vascular dysfunction during pregnancies is significantly involved in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia (PE). This work aims to investigate how CV-MSCs regulate the function of vascular endothelial cells. In this study, RNA-seq analysis was used to examine the changes in HUVECs treated with CV-MSC conditioned medium (CM). We examined the levels of ABCA9 and AKT signaling in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) by immunohistochemistry, western blotting, and qRT-PCR assays. CCK-8, colony formation, and tube formation assays were used to understand the role of ABCA9 in HUVEC proliferation and angiogenesis mediated by CV-MSCs. The CV-MSC treatment significantly enhanced the HUVEC proliferation and angiogenesis. Furthermore, a significant increase in the ABCA9 expression and AKT pathway activation was observed in CV-MSCs -treated HUVECs. Consistent with these findings, ABCA9 overexpression exhibited the same proliferation-and angiogenesis-promoting effect in HUVECs as induced by CV-MSC CM, also accompanied the AKT signaling activation. In addition, inhibition of ABCA9 inactivated the AKT signaling in HUVECs and reduced the HUVEC proliferation and angiogenesis. Importantly, the elevation of proliferation and angiogenesis induced by ABCA9 overexpression in HUVECs could be reversed by AKT pathway inhibition. Our results suggest that ABCA9-dependent AKT signaling activation mediated by CV-MSCs could promote HUVEC proliferation and angiogenesis.

Mesenchymal stem cells and natural killer cells interaction mechanisms and potential clinical applications

Natural killer cells (NK cells) are innate immune cells that are activated to fight tumor cells and virus-infected cells. NK cells also play an important role in the graft versus leukemia response. However, they can over-develop inflammatory reactions by secreting inflammatory cytokines and increasing Th1 differentiation, eventually leading to tissue damage. Today, researchers have attributed some autoimmune diseases and GVHD to NK cells. On the other hand, it has been shown that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can modulate the activity of NK cells, while some researchers have shown that NK cells can cause MSCs to lysis. Therefore, we considered it is necessary to investigate the effect of these two cells and their signaling pathway in contact with each other, also their clinical applications.

Perinatal derivatives: How to best characterize their multimodal functions in vitro. Part C: Inflammation, angiogenesis, and wound healing

Perinatal derivatives (PnD) are birth-associated tissues, such as placenta, umbilical cord, amniotic and chorionic membrane, and thereof-derived cells as well as secretomes. PnD play an increasing therapeutic role with beneficial effects on the treatment of various diseases. The aim of this review is to elucidate the modes of action of non-hematopoietic PnD on inflammation, angiogenesis and wound healing. We describe the source and type of PnD with a special focus on their effects on inflammation and immune response, on vascular function as well as on cutaneous and oral wound healing, which is a complex process that comprises hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation (including epithelialization, angiogenesis), and remodeling. We further evaluate the different in vitro assays currently used for assessing selected functional and therapeutic PnD properties. This review is a joint effort from the COST SPRINT Action (CA17116) with the intention to promote PnD into the clinics. It is part of a quadrinomial series on functional assays for validation of PnD, spanning biological functions, such as immunomodulation, anti-microbial/anti-cancer activities, anti-inflammation, wound healing, angiogenesis, and regeneration.

Chorionic villus-derived mesenchymal stem cell-mediated autophagy promotes the proliferation and invasiveness of trophoblasts under hypoxia by activating the JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathway

BACKGROUND

Trophoblast dysfunction during pregnancy is fundamentally involved in preeclampsia. Several studies have revealed that human chorionic villous mesenchymal stem cells (CV-MSCs) could regulate trophoblasts function.

RESULTS

To understand how human chorionic villous mesenchymal stem cells (CV-MSCs) regulate trophoblast function, we treated trophoblasts with CV-MSC supernatant under hypoxic conditions. Treatment markedly enhanced proliferation and invasion and augmented autophagy. Transcriptome and pathway analyses of trophoblasts before and after treatment revealed JAK2/STAT3 signalling as an upstream regulator. In addition, STAT3 mRNA and protein levels increased during CV-MSC treatment. Consistent with these findings, JAK2/STAT3 signalling inhibition reduced the autophagy, survival and invasion of trophoblasts, even in the presence of CV-MSCs, and blocking autophagy did not affect STAT3 activation in trophoblasts treated with CV-MSCs. Importantly, STAT3 overexpression increased autophagy levels in trophoblasts; thus, it positively regulated autophagy in hypoxic trophoblasts. Human placental explants also proved our findings by showing that STAT3 was activated and that LC3B-II levels were increased by CV-MSC treatment.

CONCLUSION

In summary, our data suggest that CV-MSC-dependent JAK2/STAT3 signalling activation is a prerequisite for autophagy upregulation in trophoblasts.

Conditions Mimicking the Cancer Microenvironment Modulate the Functional Outcome of Human Chorionic Villus Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells in vitro

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells isolated from chorionic villi of human term placentae (CV-MSCs) possess unique biological characters. They exhibit self-renewal, directional migration, differentiation, and immunomodulatory effects on other cell lineages, by virtue of which they can be utilized as therapeutic carriers, for drug targeting, and therapy. Tumors display characteristic features of a damaged tissue microenvironment, which is saturated with conditions such as hypoxia, sustained inflammation, and increased oxidative stress. CV-MSCs function normally in a high oxidative stress environment induced by hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and glucose and also protect endothelial cells from their damaging effects. For their therapeutic applications in a disease like cancer, it is necessary to ascertain the effects of tumor microenvironment on their functional outcome. In this study, we investigated the functional activities, of CV-MSCs in response to conditioned media (CM) obtained from the culture of breast cancer cell line MDA-231 (CM-MDA231). CV-MSCs were exposed to CM-MDA231 for different spatio-temporal conditions, and their biological functions as well as modulation in gene expression were evaluated. Effect of CM-MDA231 on factors responsible for changes in functional outcome were also investigated at the protein levels. CV-MSCs exhibited significant reduction in proliferation but increased adhesion and migration after CM-MDA231 treatment. Interestingly, there was no change in their invasion potential. CM-MDA231 treatment modulated expression of various genes involved in important cellular events including, integration, survival, message delivery and favorable outcome after transplantation. Analysis of pathways related to cell cycle regulation revealed significant changes in the expression of p53, and increased phosphorylation of Retinoblastoma (Rb) and Checkpoint Kinase 2 in CV-MSCs treated with CM-MDA231. To summarize, these data reveal that CV-MSCs retain the ability to survive, adhere, and migrate after sustained treatment with CM-MDA231, a medium that mimics the cancer microenvironment. These properties of CV-MSCs to withstand the inflammatory tumor like microenvironment prove that they may make useful candidate in a stem cell based therapy against cancer. However, further pre-clinical studies are needed to validate their therapeutic usage.

The mechanisms of cellular crosstalk between mesenchymal stem cells and natural killer cells: Therapeutic implications

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are mesenchymal precursors of various origins, with well-known immunomodulatory effects. Natural killer (NK) cells, the major cells of the innate immune system, are critical for the antitumor and antiviral defenses; however, in certain cases, they may be the main culprits in the pathogenesis of some NK-related conditions such as autoimmunities and hematological malignancies. On the other hand, these cells seem to be the major responders in beneficial phenomena like graft versus leukemia. Substantial data suggest that MSCs can variably affect NK cells and can be affected by these cells. Accordingly, acquiring a profound understanding of the crosstalk between MSCs and NK cells and the involved mechanisms seems to be a necessity to develop therapeutic approaches based on such interactions. Therefore, in this study, we made a thorough review of the existing literature on the interactions between MSCs and NK cells with a focus on the underlying mechanisms. The current knowledge herein suggests that MSCs possess a great potential to be used as tools for therapeutic targeting of NK cells in disease context and that preconditioning of MSCs, as well as their genetic manipulation before administration, may provide a wider variety of options in terms of eliciting more specific and desirable therapeutic outcomes. Nevertheless, our knowledge regarding the effects of MSCs on NK cells is still in its infancy, and further studies with well-defined conditions are warranted herein.