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Immunosuppressive factors secreted by human amniotic epithelial cells
Haochuan Li1, Jerry Y Niederkorn, Sudha Neelam
1Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
|February 25, 2005
Summary
Amniotic epithelial cells (AECs) secrete factors that inhibit immune cell activity. These factors reduce neutrophil and macrophage migration and suppress T- and B-cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in lymphocytes.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Amniotic membrane transplantation is used to restore corneal function.
- Amniotic epithelial cells (AECs) may possess immunosuppressive properties contributing to therapeutic effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if AECs secrete anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative factors.
- To determine the effect of AEC secretions on neutrophil and macrophage chemotaxis.
- To assess the impact of AEC secretions on T- and B-cell proliferation in vitro.
Main Methods:
- Human AECs were cultured in vitro, and their supernatants collected.
- Neutrophil and macrophage chemotaxis assays were performed using AEC supernatant.
- Lymphocyte proliferation was measured via H(3)-thymidine incorporation.
- Apoptosis and cytokine expression were analyzed using caspase-3, annexin V, and RT-PCR.
Main Results:
- AEC supernatant significantly inhibited neutrophil and macrophage chemotaxis and macrophage migration.
- AEC supernatant suppressed T- and B-cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in lymphocytes.
- AECs expressed genes for TNFalpha, FasL, TRAIL, TGFbeta, and MIF; FasL mediated apoptosis induction.
Conclusions:
- AECs secrete soluble factors with immunosuppressive capabilities.
- These factors inhibit key components of both innate and adaptive immune responses.
- AEC secretions hold potential for modulating immune responses in various contexts.