Progenitor effect in the spleen drives early recovery via universal hematopoietic cell inflation

Takao Yogo1, Hans Jiro Becker1, Takaharu Kimura1

  • 1Division of Cell Regulation, Center for Experimental Medicine and Systems Biology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; Division of Cell Engineering, Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.

Cell Reports
|January 26, 2025
PubMed

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) possess the capacity to regenerate the entire hematopoietic system. However, the precise HSC dynamics in the early post-transplantation phase remain an enigma. Clinically, the initial hematopoiesis in the post-transplantation period is critical, necessitating strategies to accelerate hematopoietic recovery. Here, we uncovered the spatiotemporal dynamics of early active hematopoiesis, "hematopoietic cell inflation," using a highly sensitive in vivo imaging system. Hematopoietic cell inflation occurs in three peaks in the spleen after transplantation, with common myeloid progenitors (CMPs), notably characterized by HSC-like signatures, playing a central role. Leveraging these findings, we developed expanded CMPs (exCMPs), which exhibit a gene expression pattern that selectively proliferates in the spleen and promotes hematopoietic expansion. Moreover, universal exCMPs supported early hematopoiesis in allogeneic transplantation. Human universal exCMPs have the potential to be a viable therapeutic enhancement for all HSC transplant patients.

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