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Updated: Sep 30, 2026
Intranasal Delivery of Therapeutic Stem Cells to Glioblastoma in a Mouse Model
Published on: June 4, 2017
Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells as vehicles for interferon-beta delivery into tumors
Matus Studeny1, Frank C Marini, Richard E Champlin
1Section of Molecular Hematology and Therapy, Department of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
Abstract:
Molecules that physiologically control cell proliferation are often produced locally in tissues and are rapidly destroyed when they enter circulation. This allows local effects while avoiding interference with other systems. Unfortunately, it also limits the therapeutic use of these molecules via systemic delivery. We here demonstrate that, for the purpose of anticancer therapy, bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can produce biological agents locally at tumor sites. We show that the tumor microenvironment preferentially promotes the engraftment of MSCs as compared with other tissues. MSCs with forced expression of IFN-beta inhibited the growth of malignant cells in vivo. Importantly, this effect required the integration of MSCs into the tumors and could not be achieved by systemically delivered IFN-beta or by IFN-beta produced by MSCs at a site distant from the tumors. Our results indicate that MSCs may serve as a platform for delivery of biological agents in tumors.
Insights
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can deliver therapeutic agents directly to tumors. This localized delivery of IFN-beta by MSCs inhibits cancer growth, unlike systemic administration.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Stem Cell Biology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Locally produced molecules controlling cell proliferation offer targeted effects but limit systemic therapeutic use.
- Systemic delivery of such molecules is challenging due to rapid destruction in circulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for localized delivery of therapeutic agents in cancer therapy.
- To evaluate the efficacy of MSCs engineered to produce IFN-beta for inhibiting tumor growth.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) engineered for forced expression of IFN-beta.
- Assessing MSC engraftment in tumor microenvironments compared to other tissues.
- Evaluating the in vivo anti-tumor effects of MSCs producing IFN-beta locally within tumors.
Main Results:
- The tumor microenvironment preferentially supports MSC engraftment.
- MSCs engineered with IFN-beta inhibited malignant cell growth in vivo.
- Therapeutic effects were dependent on MSC integration into tumors and local IFN-beta production.
Conclusions:
- Mesenchymal stem cells can serve as an effective platform for localized delivery of biological agents to tumors.
- Targeted delivery of IFN-beta by MSCs offers a potential strategy for cancer therapy, overcoming limitations of systemic administration.
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