Allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells for treatment of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

The use of allogeneic "universal donor" mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) may be a substantial clinical convenience for treatment of autoimmune ailments such as multiple sclerosis. We therefore tested whether allogeneic MSCs can be exploited for treatment of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in mice with otherwise intact immune system. Administration of allogeneic Balb/c-derived MSCs to C57Bl/6 mice with pre-established EAE led to a significant decrease in disease score over time comparable to that achieved with syngeneic MSCs, and was correlated with a significant blunting of immune cell infiltration to the spinal cord and reduced circulating levels of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and interleukin-17. Pretreatment of allogeneic MSCs with IFN-gamma increased the expression levels of CCL2 as well as major histocompatibility complex I (MHCI) and MHCII, but also led to complete loss of suppressive activity in vivo that correlated with immune rejection. In conclusion, allogeneic MSCs can suppress the manifestations of EAE, yet retain the potential for alloimmunization.