Origin-Specific Adhesive Interactions of Mesenchymal Stem Cells with Platelets Influence Their Behavior After...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Cell Biology
• Hematology

Background:

• Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are investigated for therapeutic potential.
• Understanding MSC behavior in blood is crucial for cell-based therapies.
• MSC interactions with blood components can influence their efficacy and safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the adhesive properties and blood interactions of human bone marrow MSC (BMMSC) and umbilical cord MSC (UCMSC).
• To determine the role of podoplanin expression in MSC-platelet interactions.
• To assess the potential implications of these interactions for MSC-based therapies.

Main Methods:

• Comparing adhesion of BMMSC and UCMSC to matrix proteins and endothelial selectins in vitro.
• Assessing MSC adhesion and platelet aggregation in flowing blood and platelet-rich plasma.
• Evaluating the effect of MSC on platelet count in vitro and in vivo.
• Analyzing podoplanin expression on MSC and its role in platelet activation using CLEC-2 deficient mice and soluble CLEC-2.

Main Results:

• UCMSC adhered to platelets and induced aggregation, causing a drop in platelet count, while BMMSC did not.
• MSC adhesion to collagen and fibronectin was significantly altered in blood compared to isolated protein surfaces.
• Podoplanin expression on UCMSC was identified as the key factor for platelet activation and aggregation via CLEC-2.
• Both MSC types adhered to pre-deposited platelets.

Conclusions:

• UCMSC activate platelets through podoplanin, leading to aggregation and potential therapeutic complications like thrombosis.
• BMMSC do not activate platelets, suggesting a potentially safer profile in blood.
• MSC interactions with platelets in blood, mediated by podoplanin, may influence their targeting to damaged tissues but carry thrombotic risks.