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Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Isolation and Identification of Limbal Niche Cells
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Isolation and Identification of Limbal Niche Cells

Published on: October 27, 2023

Cytokine secretion by human mesenchymal stem cells cocultured with damaged corneal epithelial cells

Joo Youn Oh1, Mee Kum Kim, Mi Sun Shin

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 28 Yeongeon-dong, Chongno-gu, Seoul 110-744, Republic of Korea.

Cytokine
|February 19, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) modulate corneal inflammation and blood vessel growth. Cocultures revealed MSCs increase interleukin-6 and vascular endothelial growth factor, crucial for these processes.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Stem Cell Biology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) show therapeutic potential in corneal diseases.
  • Previous studies indicated MSCs reduce corneal inflammation and neovascularization via paracrine signaling.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify specific molecules responsible for MSC-mediated effects on corneal inflammation and neovascularization.
  • To analyze cytokine secretion profiles of MSCs in various co-culture conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Co-culturing human MSCs with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPBMCs) and/or chemically-damaged human corneal epithelial cells (hCECs).
  • Analyzing cytokine secretion profiles, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1), matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2, MMP-9), thrombospondin-1, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), and IL-10.

Main Results:

  • MSC co-cultures with hCECs significantly increased IL-6 and VEGF secretion from MSCs.
  • Addition of hPBMCs further enhanced IL-6 and VEGF levels.
  • MSCs constitutively expressed TGF-beta1, MMP-2, and thrombospondin-1.
  • MSCs suppressed MMP-9 secretion by hCECs.

Conclusions:

  • The study identifies IL-6 and VEGF as key candidate molecules mediating MSCs' anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic effects in the cornea.
  • These findings provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of MSC-based therapies for corneal injuries.

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