Mesenchymal stromal cells to control donor-specific memory T cells in solid organ transplantation

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) represent a promising cell therapy to promote transplant tolerance, as they influence many cells involved in immune response. Herein, we review recent evidence on the ability of MSCs to inhibit antigen-induced memory T cell response in vitro and in preclinical studies as well as immunological studies in kidney transplant recipients highlighting the effects of MSC therapy on memory CD8 T-cell proliferation and function.

MSCs are able to inhibit in-vitro proliferation and effector functions of memory T cells in response to auto-antigen and allo-antigen stimulation. MSC infusion in animal transplant models resulted in a skew of the balance between regulatory T cells and effector/memory T cells towards a pro-tolerogenic profile. MSC in clinical transplantation is in its infancy and limited numbers of clinical studies have performed immunomonitoring of MSC-treated patients. However, available data support the capability of MSCs to control effector/memory CD8 T-cell proliferation and donor-specific CD8 T-cell function long lasting in kidney transplant setting.

Recent studies of MSCs in kidney transplantation highlight the anticipated add-on value of the immunomodulatory properties of bone marrow derived MSCs in persistently inhibiting donor-specific effector/memory CD8 T cells, an effect not shared by the current immunosuppressive drugs.