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Assessment of the Immunomodulatory Properties of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells MSCs
Published on: December 24, 2015
The immunosuppressive capacity of human mesenchymal stromal cells derived from amnion and bone marrow
Ladda Meesuk1, Chairat Tantrawatpan1,2, Pakpoom Kheolamai1,2
1Division of Cell Biology, Department of Preclinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathumthani 12120, Thailand.
Abstract:
Mesenchymal stromal cells derived from amnion (AM-MSCs) can be easily obtained in large quantity by less invasive method in comparison to bone marrow-derived MSCs (BM-MSCs). However, the biological and immunosuppressive properties of AM-MSCs are still poorly characterized. Previous studies demonstrated that BM-MSCs expressed indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) to suppress T-cell responses. This study was designed to address whether IDO contributes to the immunosuppressive function of AM-MSCs. MSCs isolated from amnion were cultured in complete medium similar to BM-MSCs. After culture, AM-MSCs exhibited spindle shape morphology and expressed MSC markers similar to that of BM-MSCs. In addition, AM-MSCs were able to differentiate into adipocytes and osteoblasts. Fascinatingly, AM-MSCs and BM-MSCs exhibited comparable degree of immunosuppressive effect when they were co-cultured with activated T-cells. In addition, IDO secreted by AM-MSCs was responsible for induction of immunosuppressive activities in the same manner as BM-MSCs. Taken together; the results of the present study demonstrate that while AM-MSCs and BM-MSCs show similar immunosuppressive effect, AM-MSCs may have additional advantage over the BM-MSCs in terms of availability. Therefore, AM-MSCs might be considered a potential source for therapeutic applications especially for treatment of immune related diseases.
Insights
Amnion-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (AM-MSCs) offer an accessible source for cell therapy, exhibiting potent immunosuppressive properties comparable to bone marrow-derived MSCs (BM-MSCs) via indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO).
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are crucial for immune modulation.
- Bone marrow-derived MSCs (BM-MSCs) utilize indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) for immunosuppression.
- Amnion-derived MSCs (AM-MSCs) are readily available but their immunosuppressive mechanisms are unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the immunosuppressive properties of AM-MSCs.
- To determine if IDO contributes to the immunosuppressive function of AM-MSCs.
- To compare AM-MSCs with BM-MSCs regarding immunosuppression and availability.
Main Methods:
- Cultured and characterized AM-MSCs and BM-MSCs.
- Assessed MSC marker expression and differentiation potential.
- Co-cultured MSCs with activated T-cells to evaluate immunosuppressive effects.
- Measured IDO secretion and its role in immunosuppression.
Main Results:
- AM-MSCs displayed spindle morphology and expressed MSC markers, similar to BM-MSCs.
- AM-MSCs demonstrated comparable immunosuppressive effects to BM-MSCs on T-cell activation.
- IDO secreted by AM-MSCs was confirmed to mediate immunosuppression.
- AM-MSCs offer an advantage in terms of easier and larger-scale acquisition.
Conclusions:
- AM-MSCs possess significant immunosuppressive capabilities mediated by IDO.
- AM-MSCs represent a promising, readily available alternative to BM-MSCs for therapeutic applications.
- AM-MSCs hold potential for treating immune-related diseases.

