Comparison of hematopoietic stem cells derived from fresh and cryopreserved whole cord blood in the generation of humanized mice

Protocol for tumor dissociation and fluorescence-activated cell sorting of human head and neck cancers

Tumors originating from the head and neck represent diverse histologies and are comprised of several cell types, including malignant cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and immune cells. In this protocol, we describe a step-by-step approach for the dissociation of fresh human head and neck tumor specimens, followed by isolation of viable single cells using fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Our protocol facilitates the effective downstream use of techniques, including single-cell RNA sequencing and generation of three-dimensional patient-derived organoids. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Puram et al. (2017)1 and Parikh et al. (2022).2.

Acupuncture Inhibits Morphine Induced-Immune Suppress via Antioxidant System

Objectives

A powerful analgesic called Morphine causes addiction behaviors and immune suppression as a potential oxidative stressor. Acupuncture showed to inhibit oxidative stress-induced hepatic damage, regulate reactive oxygen species, and attenuate morphine addiction behaviors. Therefore, we investigated the potential effects of acupuncture on morphine-induced immune suppression.

Materials and Methods

Rats received morphine intravenously through implanted catheters for 3, 7, or 21 days to determine the optimal condition for morphine-induced immune suppression. Second, we examined whether intravenous (iv.) or intraperitoneal (ip.) administration produced different results. Third, the effects of acupuncture in rats who received morphine for 21 days were investigated. Spleen and submandibular lymph node (S-LN) weights and natural killer (NK) cell activity were measured, and the white pulp diameter, total and cortical spleen thicknesses, and the number of lymphoid follicles in S-LNs were examined. The number of immunoreactive cells was also measured.

Results

Decreased organ weights and increased atrophic changes were observed as morphine-induced immune suppression. However, dose-dependent increased immune suppression was not observed between 5.0 mg/kg and 10.0 mg/kg of morphine. And, 3-day withdrawal did not affect. Similar histopathological findings were observed in 5.0 and 10.0 ip. rats when compared to equal dosages of iv., respectively. The morphine induced-immune suppression evidenced by spleen and left S-LN weights, splenic NK cell activities, histopathological findings, and the immunoreactive cell number were normalized by acupuncture.

Conclusion

These results indicate that acupuncture inhibits morphine-induced immune suppression, maybe via antioxidative action.

Autologously Humanized Mice for Immune-Oncologic Studies

With the rapid approval of immune checkpoint inhibitors for lung, melanoma, breast, genitourinary, and hematological malignancies, the hematopoietic cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) are now considered an important, if not essential, consideration for cancer scientists. In many instances, syngeneic murine models have not been highly predictive for responsiveness in clinical trials. Our limited understanding of the human TME have, therefore, precluded a rational translation of immunotherapeutic combinations. This has led to the adoption of hematopoietic humanized murine models for the study of human tumor immunology in vivo. However, concerns about chimerism rates, HLA mismatching, and incomplete reconstitution of the innate immune system have driven a quest for improvements in these allogeneic humanized murine systems. Presented in this article is a completely autologous xenotransplantation method for reconstituting the human tumor immune microenvironment in vivo without the use of a patient's peripheral blood which is known to be associated with low engraftment rates. With this new approach, the current limitations of allogeneic humanized models are avoided by using matched bone marrow cells (BMCs) and derived tumor xenoplants (PDXs) from solid tumors in cancer patients. This autologous system provides a platform for studying endogenous lymphocytic and myeloid cell infiltration into the human tumor in vivo. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol: Autologous reconstitution of human tumors Support Protocol 1: Transduction of BMCs and/or tumor cells prior to autologous reconstitution Support Protocol 2: Modeling immunotherapeutic agents in an autologously humanized model.

The Binns Program for Cord Blood Research: A novel model of cord blood banking for academic biomedical research

Umbilical cord blood is an important graft source in the treatment of many genetic, hematologic, and immunologic disorders by hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Millions of cord blood units have been collected and stored for clinical use since the inception of cord blood banking in 1989. However, the use of cord blood in biomedical research has been limited by access to viable samples. Here, we present a cost-effective, self-sustaining model for the procurement of fresh umbilical cord blood components for research purposes within hospital-affiliated academic institutions.

Humanized mouse model: Hematopoietic stemcell transplantation and tracking using short tandem repeat technology

Introduction

Models of mice carrying a human immune system, so‐called humanized mice, are used increasingly as preclinical models to bridge the gap between model organisms and human beings. Challenges of the humanized mouse model include finding suitable sources for human hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) and reaching sufficient engraftment of these cells in immunocompromised mice.

Methods

In this study, we compared the use of CD34⁺ HSC from cord blood (CB) vs HSC from adult mobilized peripheral blood. Furthermore, we developed a simple and highly specific test for donor identification in humanized mice by applying the detection method of short tandem repeats (STR).

Results

It was found that, in vitro, CB‐derived and adult HSC show comparable purity, viability, and differentiation potential in colony‐forming unit assays. However, in vivo, CB‐derived HSC engrafted to a significantly higher extent in NOD.Cg‐Prkdc^scidIL2rγ^tm1Wjl/SzJ (NSG) mice than adult HSC. Increasing the cell dose of adult HSC or using fresh cells without cryopreservation did not improve the engraftment rate. Interestingly, when using adult HSC, the percentage of human cells in the bone marrow was significantly higher than that in the peripheral blood. Using the STR‐based test, we were able to identify and distinguish human cells from different donors in humanized mice and in a humanized allogeneic transplantation model.

Conclusion

From these findings, we conclude that adult mobilized HSC are less suitable for generating a humanized immune system in mice than CB‐derived cells.

CD34+ Stem Cells: Promising Roles in Cardiac Repair and Regeneration

Cell therapy has received significant attention as a novel therapeutic approach to restore cardiac function after injury. CD34-positive (CD34⁺) stem cells have been investigated for their ability to promote angiogenesis and contribute to the prevention of remodelling after infarct. However, there are significant differences between murine and human CD34⁺ cells; understanding these differences might benefit the therapeutic use of these cells. Herein we discuss the function of the CD34 cell and highlight the similarities and differences between murine and human CD34 cell function, which might explain some of the differences between the animal and human evolutions. We also summarize the studies that report the application of murine and human CD34⁺ cells in preclinical studies and clinical trials and current limitations with the application of cell therapy for cardiac repair. Finally, to overcome these limitations we discuss the application of novel humanized rodent models that can bridge the gap between preclinical and clinical studies as well as rejuvenation strategies for improving the quality of old CD34⁺ cells for future clinical trials of autologous cell transplantation.

Human Interleukin-34 facilitates microglia-like cell differentiation and persistent HIV-1 infection in humanized mice

Background

Microglia are the principal innate immune defense cells of the centeral nervous system (CNS) and the target of the human immunodeficiency virus type one (HIV-1). A complete understanding of human microglial biology and function requires the cell’s presence in a brain microenvironment. Lack of relevant animal models thus far has also precluded studies of HIV-1 infection. Productive viral infection in brain occurs only in human myeloid linage microglia and perivascular macrophages and requires cells present throughout the brain. Once infected, however, microglia become immune competent serving as sources of cellular neurotoxic factors leading to disrupted brain homeostasis and neurodegeneration.

Methods

Herein, we created a humanized bone-marrow chimera producing human “microglia like” cells in NOD.Cg-Prkdc^scidIl2rg^tm1SugTg(CMV-IL34)1/Jic mice. Newborn mice were engrafted intrahepatically with umbilical cord blood derived CD34+ hematopoietic stem progenitor cells (HSPC). After 3 months of stable engraftment, animals were infected with HIV-1_ADA, a myeloid-specific tropic viral isolate. Virologic, immune and brain immunohistology were performed on blood, peripheral lymphoid tissues, and brain.

Results

Human interleukin-34 under the control of the cytomegalovirus promoter inserted in NSG mouse strain drove brain reconstitution of HSPC derived peripheral macrophages into microglial-like cells. These human cells expressed canonical human microglial cell markers that included CD14, CD68, CD163, CD11b, ITGB2, CX3CR1, CSFR1, TREM2 and P2RY12. Prior restriction to HIV-1 infection in the rodent brain rested on an inability to reconstitute human microglia. Thus, the natural emergence of these cells from ingressed peripheral macrophages to the brain could allow, for the first time, the study of a CNS viral reservoir. To this end we monitored HIV-1 infection in a rodent brain. Viral RNA and HIV-1p24 antigens were readily observed in infected brain tissues. Deep RNA sequencing of these infected mice and differential expression analysis revealed human-specific molecular signatures representative of antiviral and neuroinflammatory responses.

Conclusions

This humanized microglia mouse reflected human HIV-1 infection in its known principal reservoir and showed the development of disease-specific innate immune inflammatory and neurotoxic responses mirroring what can occur in an infected human brain.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13024-019-0311-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Pentaisomaltose, an Alternative to DMSO. Engraftment of Cryopreserved Human CD34+ Cells in Immunodeficient NSG Mice

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation often involves the cryopreservation of stem cell products. Currently, the standard cryoprotective agent (CPA) is dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), which is known to cause concentration-related toxicity and side effects when administered to patients. Based on promising in vitro data from our previous study using pentaisomaltose (a 1 kDa subfraction of Dextran 1) as an alternative to DMSO for cryopreservation of hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) from apheresis products, we proceeded to a preclinical model and compared the two CPAs with respect to engraftment of human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) in the immunodeficient NSG mouse model. Human HPCs from apheresis products were cryopreserved with either pentaisomaltose or DMSO, and the following outcomes were measured: (1) the post-thaw recovery of cryopreserved cells and clonogenic potential of CD34⁺ cells and (2) hematopoietic engraftment in NSG mice. We found that recovery and colony-forming cells data were comparable between pentaisomaltose and DMSO. The engraftment data revealed comparable human CD45⁺ levels in peripheral blood at 8 weeks and bone marrow at 16 weeks post transplantation. Additionally, the frequencies of CD34⁺CD38^low/negative and myeloid/lymphoid cells in the bone marrow were comparable. We here demonstrated that long-term engrafting HSPCs were well preserved in pentaisomaltose and comparable to cells cryopreserved with DMSO. Although a clinical trial is necessary to translate these results into human use, the present data represent an important step toward the replacement of DMSO with a non-toxic alternative.

Ameliorating effects of herbal formula hemomine on experimental subacute hemorrhagic anemia in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Hemomine (HM) is an herbal mixture consisting of 5 varieties of the hematopoietic herbal extracts (Angelica gigas Nakai, Cnidium officinale Makino, Paeonia lactiflora Pall., Rehmannia glutinosa Liboschitz ex Stueudel, Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fischer).

AIM OF THE STUDY

Anemia has been treated with iron supplements, whereas it could cause adverse side effects such as digestive discomfort. In the present study, HM was applied to SHA rats to test for several activities so as to verify its therapeutic potentials on anemia and digestive discomfort.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to seven groups: (Two controls, two references (ferric hydroxide polymatose (FM) and ferritin extract glycerin hydrate (FA)), three different concentrations of HM, n=8 per groups), and induced subacute hemorrhagic anemia (SHA) through blood exsanguinations once a day for 7 days.

RESULTS

The SHA animal model showed changes in the markers related to classic iron-deficient and regenerative anemia in this experiment. However, the SHA related anemic signs were dose-dependently inhibited by the administration of HM 2, 1, and 0.5ml/kg for 7 days, and more favorably than the equal dosages of FM and FA. In addition, FM and FA showed the typical constipation signs, including reduction of in thickness of the colonic mucosa, in contrast, HM 2, 1, and 0.5ml/kg groups had no effects on the gastrointestinal motilities and the colonic mucous components when compared to the controls. The results suggested that the HM significantly showed to have therapeutic effects in the experimental SHA in rats, and is more potent than the commercial iron supplement through the proliferation of hematopoietic stem cells with reduced digestive discomfort.

CONCLUSIONS

Therefore, Hemomine may prove to be a promising hematopoietic and therapeutic agent for anemia.

Age-dependent cellular reactions of the human immune system of humanized NOD scid gamma mice on LPS stimulus

Despite sepsis being a life-threatening disease, targeted drugs that improve the therapy of affected patients are still lacking. Infants and adults differ in the maturity level of their immune system and this results in distinct reactions to Gram-negative bacteria. To study reactions of human immune cells in vivo, we used NOD scid gamma mice transplanted with human CD34⁺ stem cells to engraft a functional human immune system. Human cells undergo differentiation and maturation in these mice after transplantation and, accordingly, animals were divided into two groups: 8-13 wk and 15-22 wk after transplantation. Endotoxemia was induced by injecting LPS. Six h later, mice were euthanized. In both groups, LPS stimulation induced a decrease of CD14⁺ monocytes in peripheral blood, an up-regulation of activation markers on different cell subsets such as myeloid dendritic cells, and a release of the human cytokines TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10. However, significant differences were detected with regard to the amounts of released cytokines, and 8-13-wk-old mice produced more IL-6, while PTX3 was mainly released by 15-22-wk-old animals. Thus, here we provide a potential model for preclinical research of sepsis in infants and adults.

Autologous reconstitution of human cancer and immune system in vivo

Correlative studies from checkpoint inhibitor trials have indicated that better understanding of human leukocytic trafficking into the human tumor microenvironment can expedite the translation of future immune-oncologic agents. In order to directly characterize signaling pathways that can regulate human leukocytic trafficking into the tumor, we have developed a completely autologous xenotransplantation method to reconstitute the human tumor immune microenvironment in vivo. We were able to genetically mark the engrafted CD34+ bone marrow cells as well as the tumor cells, and follow the endogenous leukocytic infiltration into the autologous tumor. To investigate human tumor intrinsic factors that can potentially regulate the immune cells in our system, we silenced STAT3 signaling in the tumor compartment. As expected, STAT3 signaling suppression in the tumor compartment in these autologously reconstituted humanized mice showed increased tumor infiltrating lymphocytes and reduction of arginase-1 in the stroma, which were associated with slower tumor growth rate. We also used this novel system to characterize human myeloid suppressor cells as well as to screen novel agents that can alter endogenous leukocytic infiltration into the tumor. Taken together, we present a valuable method to study individualized human tumor microenvironments in vivo without confounding allogeneic responses.

Interleukins 7 and 15 Maintain Human T Cell Proliferative Capacity through STAT5 Signaling

T lymphocytes require signals from self-peptides and cytokines, most notably interleukins 7 and 15 (IL-7, IL-15), for survival. While mouse T cells die rapidly if IL-7 or IL-15 is withdrawn, human T cells can survive prolonged withdrawal of IL-7 and IL-15. Here we show that IL-7 and IL-15 are required to maintain human T cell proliferative capacity through the STAT5 signaling pathway. T cells from humanized mice proliferate better if stimulated in the presence of human IL-7 or IL-15 or if T cells are exposed to human IL-7 or IL-15 in mice. Freshly isolated T cells from human peripheral blood lose proliferative capacity if cultured for 24 hours in the absence of IL-7 or IL-15. We further show that phosphorylation of STAT5 correlates with proliferation and inhibition of STAT5 reduces proliferation. These results reveal a novel role of IL-7 and IL-15 in maintaining human T cell function, provide an explanation for T cell dysfunction in humanized mice, and have significant implications for in vitro studies with human T cells.

Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Enhance the Differentiation of Human Switched Memory B Lymphocytes into Plasma Cells in Serum-Free Medium

The differentiation of human B lymphocytes into plasma cells is one of the most stirring questions with regard to adaptive immunity. However, the terminal differentiation and survival of plasma cells are still topics with much to be discovered, especially when targeting switched memory B lymphocytes. Plasma cells can migrate to the bone marrow in response to a CXCL12 gradient and survive for several years while secreting antibodies. In this study, we aimed to get closer to niches favoring plasma cell survival. We tested low oxygen concentrations and coculture with mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) from human bone marrow. Besides, all cultures were performed using an animal protein-free medium. Overall, our model enables the generation of high proportions of CD38⁺CD138⁺CD31⁺ plasma cells (≥50%) when CD40-activated switched memory B lymphocytes were cultured in direct contact with mesenchymal stem cells. In these cultures, the secretion of CXCL12 and TGF-β, usually found in the bone marrow, was linked to the presence of MSC. The level of oxygen appeared less impactful than the contact with MSC. This study shows for the first time that expanded switched memory B lymphocytes can be differentiated into plasma cells using exclusively a serum-free medium.

Residues 39-56 of Stem Cell Factor Protein Sequence Are Capable of Stimulating the Expansion of Cord Blood CD34+ Cells

Background

Stem cell factor (SCF) can stimulate hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) expansion; however, the specific structural region(s) of SCF protein that are critical for this function are still unknown. A novel monoclonal antibody (named 23C8) against recombinant human SCF (rhSCF) was previously found to inhibit the ability of rhSCF to enhance HSC expansion, making it possible to identify the relevant active region to HSC.

Methods

Eleven polypeptides were synthesized, which were designed to cover the full-length of rhSCF, with overlaps that are at least 3 amino acids long. ELISA was used to identify the polypeptide(s) that specifically react with the anti-SCF. The effects of the synthetic polypeptides on human HSC expansion, or on the ability of the full-length rhSCF to stimulate cell proliferation, were evaluated ex vivo. Total cell number was monitored using hemocytometer whereas CD34⁺ cell number was calculated based on the proportion determined via flow cytometry on day 6 of culture.

Results

Of all polypeptides analyzed, only one, named P0, corresponding to the SCF protein sequence at residues 39–56, was recognized by 23C8 mAb during ELISA. P0 stimulated the expansion of CD34⁺ cells derived from human umbilical cord blood (UCB). Addition of P0 increased the numbers of total mononucleated cells and CD34⁺ cells, by ~2 fold on day 6. P0 also showed partial competition against full-length rhSCF in the ex vivo cell expansion assay.

Conclusion

Residues 39–56 of rhSCF comprise a critical functional region for its ability to enhance expansion of human UCB CD34⁺ cells. The peptide P0 is a potential candidate for further development as a synthetic substitute for rhSCF in laboratory and clinical applications.

Engraftment and lineage potential of adult hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells is compromised following short-term culture in the presence of an aryl hydrocarbon receptor antagonist

Hematopoietic stem cell gene therapy for HIV/AIDS is a promising alternative to lifelong antiretroviral therapy. One of the limitations of this approach is the number and quality of stem cells available for transplant following in vitro manipulations associated with stem cell isolation and genetic modification. The development of methods to increase the number of autologous, gene-modified stem cells available for transplantation would overcome this barrier. Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC) from adult growth factor-mobilized peripheral blood were cultured in the presence of an aryl hydrocarbon receptor antagonist (AhRA) previously shown to expand HSPC from umbilical cord blood. Qualitative and quantitative assessment of the hematopoietic potential of minimally cultured (MC-HSPC) or expanded HSPC (Exp-HSPC) was performed using an immunodeficient mouse model of transplantation. Our results demonstrate robust, multilineage engraftment of both MC-HSPC and Exp-HSPC although estimates of expansion based on stem cell phenotype were not supported by a corresponding increase in in vivo engrafting units. Bone marrow of animals transplanted with either MC-HSPC or Exp-HSPC contained secondary engrafting cells verifying the presence of primitive stem cells in both populations. However, the frequency of in vivo engrafting units among the more primitive CD34+/CD90+ HSPC population was significantly lower in Exp-HSPC compared with MC-HSPC. Exp-HSPC also produced fewer lymphoid progeny and more myeloid progeny than MC-HSPC. These results reveal that in vitro culture of adult HSPC in AhRA maintains but does not increase the number of in vivo engrafting cells and that HSPC expanded in vitro contain defects in lymphopoiesis as assessed in this model system. Further investigation is required before implementation of this approach in the clinical setting.

Sustained Engraftment of Cryopreserved Human Bone Marrow CD34(+) Cells in Young Adult NSG Mice

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are defined by their ability to repopulate the bone marrow of myeloablative conditioned and/or (lethally) irradiated recipients. To study the repopulating potential of human HSCs, murine models have been developed that rely on the use of immunodeficient mice that allow engraftment of human cells. The NSG xenograft model has emerged as the current standard for this purpose allowing for engraftment and study of human T cells. Here, we describe adaptations to the original NSG xenograft model that can be readily implemented. These adaptations encompass use of adult mice instead of newborns and a short ex vivo culture. This protocol results in robust and reproducible high levels of lympho-myeloid engraftment. Immunization of recipient mice with relevant antigen resulted in specific antibody formation, showing that both T cells and B cells were functional. In addition, bone marrow cells from primary recipients exhibited repopulating ability following transplantation into secondary recipients. Similar results were obtained with cryopreserved human bone marrow samples, thus circumventing the need for fresh cells and allowing the use of patient derived bio-bank samples. Our findings have implications for use of this model in fundamental stem cell research, immunological studies in vivo and preclinical evaluations for HSC transplantation, expansion, and genetic modification.

Immune humanization of immunodeficient mice using diagnostic bone marrow aspirates from carcinoma patients

Tumor xenografts in immunodeficient mice, while routinely used in cancer research, preclude studying interactions of immune and cancer cells or, if humanized by allogeneic immune cells, are of limited use for tumor-immunological questions. Here, we explore a novel way to generate cancer models with an autologous humanized immune system. We demonstrate that hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) from bone marrow aspirates of non-metastasized carcinoma patients, which are taken at specialized centers for diagnostic purposes, can be used to generate a human immune system in NOD-scid IL2rγ(null) (NSG) and HLA-I expressing NSG mice (NSG-HLA-A2/HHD) comprising both, lymphoid and myeloid cell lineages. Using NSG-HLA-A2/HHD mice, we show that responsive and self-tolerant human T cells develop and human antigen presenting cells can activate human T cells. As critical factors we identified the low potential of bone marrow HSPCs to engraft, generally low HSPC numbers in patient-derived bone marrow samples, cryopreservation and routes of cell administration. We provide here an optimized protocol that uses a minimum number of HSPCs, preselects high-quality bone marrow samples defined by the number of initially isolated leukocytes and intra-femoral or intra-venous injection. In conclusion, the use of diagnostic bone marrow aspirates from non-metastasized carcinoma patients for the immunological humanization of immunodeficient mice is feasible and opens the chance for individualized analyses of anti-tumoral T cell responses.

Transplantation of cryopreserved human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells does not induce sustained recovery after experimental stroke in spontaneously hypertensive rats

Previous studies have highlighted the enormous potential of cell-based therapies for stroke not only to prevent ischemic brain damage, but also to amplify endogenous repair processes. Considering its widespread availability and low immunogenicity human umbilical cord blood (HUCB) is a particularly attractive stem cell source. Our goal was to investigate the neurorestorative potential of cryopreserved HUCB mononuclear cells (MNC) after permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Human umbilical cord blood MNC or vehicle solution was administered intravenously 24 hours after MCAO. Experimental groups were as follows: (1) quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of host-derived growth factors up to 48 hours after stroke; (2) immunohistochemical analysis of astroglial scarring; (3) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and weekly behavioral tests for 2 months after stroke. Long-term functional outcome and lesion development on MRI were not beneficially influenced by HUCB MNC therapy. Furthermore, HUCB MNC treatment did not change local growth factor levels and glial scarring extent. In summary, we could not demonstrate neurorestorative properties of HUCB MNC after stroke in SHR. Our results advise caution regarding a prompt translation of cord blood therapy into clinical stroke trials as long as deepened knowledge about its precise modes of action is missing.