Lung cells from neonates show a mesenchymal stem cell phenotype

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Medicine
• Stem Cell Biology
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stromal cells found in various adult tissues.
• Their therapeutic potential is explored for numerous regenerative medicine applications.
• Identifying novel sources of MSCs is crucial for advancing cell-based therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the presence of MSC-like cells in the lungs of premature infants requiring mechanical ventilation.
• To characterize these cells for typical MSC markers and differentiation capabilities.

Main Methods:

• Tracheal aspirate fluid was collected from premature infants (< 30 weeks gestation, ≤ 7 days old) on mechanical ventilation.
• Cells were cultured on plastic dishes and analyzed for MSC markers (e.g., STRO-1, CD73, CD90, CD105, CD166).
• Differentiation potential into adipogenic, osteogenic, and myofibroblastic lineages was assessed.

Main Results:

• Fibroblast-like cells expressing MSC markers were identified in 11 of 20 infants.
• These cells were negative for hematopoietic and endothelial markers.
• Cells demonstrated adipogenic, osteogenic, and myofibroblastic differentiation and responded to monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1).
• Isolation of MSCs correlated with increased days of mechanical ventilation and oxygen support.

Conclusions:

• Tracheal aspirate fluid from premature, mechanically ventilated infants contains fibroblast-like cells with MSC characteristics.
• These findings suggest a potential new source of MSCs from neonatal respiratory secretions.
• Further research may explore the therapeutic applications of these neonatal MSCs.