Blockade of endothelial G(i) protein enhances early engraftment in intraportal cell transplant to mouse liver

Development of human hepatocellular carcinoma in X-linked severe combined immunodeficient pigs: An orthotopic xenograft model

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common primary tumor and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Rodent models of HCC have contributed to the advancement of studies investigating liver carcinogenesis, tumor-host interactions, and drug screening. However, their small size renders them unsuitable for surgical or clinical imaging studies, necessitating the development of larger-size HCC models. Here, we developed a xenograft model of human HCC in X-linked interleukin-2 receptor gamma chain gene (Il2rg)-targeted severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) pigs. HepG2 cell suspension in serum-free medium containing 50% membrane matrix was directly injected into the liver parenchyma of eight X-linked Il2rg-targeted SCID pigs (6.6–15.6 kg) via ultrasonography-guided percutaneous puncture. Tumor engraftment was evaluated weekly using ultrasonography, and cone-beam computed tomography was performed during arterial portography (CTAP) and hepatic arteriography (CTHA) to evaluate the hemodynamics of engrafted tumors. The engrafted tumors were histologically analyzed following necropsy and assessed for pathological similarities to human HCCs. Macroscopic tumor formation was observed in seven of the eight pigs (simple nodular tumors in three and multinodular tumors in four). Engrafted tumors were identified as low-echoic upon ultrasonography and as perfusion-defect nodules on the CTAP images. Meanwhile, CTHA showed that the tumors were hyperattenuating. Further, histopathological findings of the engrafted tumors were consistent with those of human HCC. In conclusion, the porcine model of human HCC, successfully generated herein, might help develop more effective therapeutic strategies for HCC.

Blockade of cell adhesion molecules enhances cell engraftment in a murine model of liver cell transplantation

AIM

OLT is the best alternative for patients with end-stage liver diseases. However, as the need for organs surpasses donor availability, alternatives to OLT are required. LCT could be a useful option versus OLT in several patients even though its low cell-engraftment hampers its efficiency. Endothelial cell barrier is the main obstacle for the implantation of cells into the parenchyma. Our study has focused on the modification of the endothelial barrier with monoclonal antibodies against adhesion molecules in order to increase cell engraftment in a mouse model of liver cell transplantation.

METHODS

Anti-mouse CD54 and anti-mouse CD61 antibodies were administered intrasplenically to healthy mice within 60 min prior to stem cell transplantation. Animals were sacrificed either short term at 2h or middle term seven days after transplantation. Immunohistochemical techniques to detect alkaline phosphatase activity were used to identify the transplanted cells within the liver parenchyma.

RESULTS

Anti-CD54 and anti-CD61 administration increases vascular patency and cell engraftment. This represents a 32% and 45% increase, respectively, of engrafted cells compared to the control (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Modification of the vascular wall with monoclonal antibodies against endothelial adhesion molecules before cell transplantation enhances cell engraftment into the mouse liver.