An In Vitro Assay to Evaluate the Immunomodulatory Effects of Unrestricted Somatic Stem Cells

Abstract

Background: Unrestricted somatic stem cells (USSC) are a cord blood stem cell that have been considered as a candidate for the regulation of immune responses. Therefore, potential exists for their use in the suppression of immune response after transplantation surgery. The aim of this study was evaluation of the effect of USSC on mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) as a model for graft rejection. Material and methods: USSC and Mesanchymal stem cells (MSC) were isolated and cultured from cord blood and bone morrow, respectively. The immunophenotypes of USSC and MSC were evaluated by flow cytometery and titrated Quantities of USSC and MSC were co-cultured with peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) in an MLR to evaluate the immunomodulatory effect of these cells as a percentage of the control response. Measurements of the MLR were made using a micro ߭liquid scintillation counter Results: Results of the current study demonstrated that proliferation of lymphocytes in the MLR were decreased after treatment with USSC, in a similar fashion to that seen with MSC. Discussion: It can be concluded that USSC have similar regulatory affects as MSC on the MLR, which can be used as an indicator for potential organ rejection after transplantation. Therefore, the immunregulatory effect of these cells could be used in the clinic during organ transplantation and in the management of autoimmunity.