Roles of PD-L1 in human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells under inflammatory microenvironment

Jinqiu Sun1, Hannah Zhong2, Bo Kang3

  • 1Institute of Life Science and Green Development, College of Life Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, China.

Insights

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) migration and immunosuppression are regulated by programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) via CXCR4 in inflammation. PD-L1 mediates MSC homing and inhibits B cell activity, highlighting its therapeutic potential for inflammatory diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Regenerative Medicine

Background:

  • Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) show promise for treating inflammatory disorders due to their homing and immunosuppressive properties.
  • C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) is crucial for MSC migration, and programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) mediates immunosuppression.
  • The regulation of PD-L1 expression in MSCs within inflammatory environments remains incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of PD-L1 in the migration and immunosuppression of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hADMSCs) under inflammatory conditions.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms linking PD-L1 expression to MSC function in an inflammatory microenvironment.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to establish an in vitro inflammatory model using hADMSCs.
  • Assessed the impact of LPS on PD-L1 expression and its correlation with MSC migration via CXCR4.
  • Evaluated the effect of increased PD-L1 on B cell proliferation and immunoglobulin G secretion, investigating the role of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB).

Main Results:

  • LPS treatment significantly upregulated PD-L1 expression in hADMSCs.
  • Upregulated PD-L1 mediated the migration of LPS-treated hADMSCs, involving CXCR4.
  • Increased PD-L1 expression in hADMSCs suppressed B cell proliferation and immunoglobulin G secretion through NF-κB signaling.

Conclusions:

  • PD-L1 plays a critical role in mediating the homing and immunosuppressive functions of MSCs in inflammatory settings.
  • The PD-L1/CXCR4 axis is essential for MSC migration under inflammation.
  • Targeting PD-L1 may enhance the therapeutic efficacy of MSCs for inflammatory diseases.