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Updated: Jun 1, 2026
Assessment of the Immunomodulatory Properties of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs)
Published on: December 24, 2015
Human mesenchymal stem cells protect neutrophils from serum-deprived cell death
Maryam Maqbool1, Sharmili Vidyadaran, Elizabeth George
1Immunology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia.
Abstract:
We have previously shown that human MSC (mesenchymal stem cells) inhibit the proliferation of most of the immune cells. However, there are innate immune cells such as neutrophils and other PMN (polymorphonuclear) cells that do not require an extensive proliferation prior to their effector function. In this study, the effect of MSC on neutrophils in the presence of complete and serum-deprived culture media was investigated. In the presence of MSC, the viability of neutrophils increase as measured in 24 h of incubation at various supplementation of serum concentration. We have utilized Annexin V and PI (propidium iodide) staining to confirm whether the enhancement of neutrophil's viability is due to a reduction in PCD (programmed cell death). MSC significantly rescue neutrophils from apoptosis at 1, 5 and 10% of FBS (fetal bovine serum) supplementation. The fractions of viable and dead cells were increased and decreased respectively in the presence of MSC. Our results indicate MSC rescue neutrophils from nutrient- or serum-deprived cell death. However, whether this effect is exerted through a specific signalling pathway or confining neutrophils in resting state by MSC requires further investigation.
Insights
Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) protect neutrophils from programmed cell death, especially in low-serum conditions. This finding highlights MSC
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are known to inhibit the proliferation of many immune cells.
- Neutrophils and other polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells are innate immune cells with effector functions not reliant on extensive proliferation.
- The immunomodulatory effects of MSC on neutrophils, particularly under nutrient-limited conditions, remain less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of MSC on neutrophil viability and programmed cell death (PCD).
- To assess MSC effects on neutrophils cultured in varying concentrations of fetal bovine serum (FBS).
- To determine if MSC can rescue neutrophils from serum-deprived or nutrient-deprived cell death.
Main Methods:
- Neutrophils were co-cultured with MSC in media with different FBS concentrations (0%, 1%, 5%, 10%).
- Neutrophil viability was assessed after 24 hours of incubation.
- Annexin V and propidium iodide (PI) staining were used to quantify apoptosis and necrosis, indicative of PCD.
Main Results:
- MSC significantly increased neutrophil viability in the presence of 1%, 5%, and 10% FBS.
- MSC treatment reduced the rate of programmed cell death (apoptosis) in neutrophils.
- The proportion of viable neutrophils increased, while the proportion of dead cells decreased with MSC co-culture.
Conclusions:
- Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) demonstrate a protective effect on neutrophils against serum-deprived cell death.
- MSC enhance neutrophil viability, likely by reducing apoptosis under nutrient-limited conditions.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the specific signaling pathways or mechanisms involved in this MSC-mediated neutrophil rescue.
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