Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2026
In Vivo Imaging Uncovers the Migratory Behavior of Leukocytes within the Joints
Published on: December 9, 2025
Immunosuppressive effects of mesenchymal stem cells in collagen-induced mouse arthritis
Fei Mao1, Wen-Rong Xu, Hui Qian
1School of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, Key Institute of Clinical Laboratory Science, Jiangsu University, 301 Xuefu Road, 212013, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China. maofei2003@ujs.edu.cn
Objective:
The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) in the treatment of arthritis.
Methods:
Mesenchymal stem cells were injected intravenously into mice with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). Arthritic indexes were evaluated, and the levels of the pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-10 (IL-10), gamma interferon (IFN-gamma)-inducible protein 10 (IP-10), chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 3 (CXCR3), interleukin-17A (IL-17A), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) in serum or splenic cells were determined using real-time RT-PCR, Western blotting, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The proliferation of dendritic cell line D2SC cells was determined using (3)H-TdR incorporation assay.
Results:
Upon injection of MSCs, overall arthritis symptoms were significantly improved in the CIA mouse models as indicated by the paw edema. Consistent with this observation, serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-alpha and inflammatory cell infiltration decreased significantly 12 days after MSC injection, while the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10, IP-10, and CXCR3 was increased in splenocytes. In addition, we provided evidence that MSCs may directly promote the proliferation of D2SC cells and the expression of IP-10 in D2SC cells in vitro.
Conclusion:
Mesenchymal stem cells significantly enhance the efficacy of collagen-induced arthritis treatment, likely through the modulation of the expression of various cytokines.
