Mesenchymal stem cells from Cerdocyon thous: in vitro characterization and therapeutic potential

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) exhibit immunomodulatory and regenerative properties that have been extensively investigated in domestic species. However, knowledge of their biological characteristics in wildlife species remains limited and is critical for advancing translational research and conservation medicine. Thus, this study aimed to isolate, characterize, and evaluate the immunomodulatory and neuroregenerative potential of adipose tissue-derived MSCs (AT-MSCs) from crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous). Subcutaneous adipose tissue samples were collected from five healthy adult animals during elective surgeries, following prior ethical approval. All procedures were conducted in accordance with institutional and national ethical guidelines. MSCs were isolated by enzymatic digestion, expanded in vitro, and characterized based on morphology, immunophenotype, and mesodermal multipotency. Cell viability was assessed following inflammatory stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and the gene expression of immunomodulatory cytokines and neurotrophic factors was evaluated by RT-qPCR. The cells displayed typical fibroblast-like morphology, plastic adherence, expression of mesenchymal markers CD90, CD29, and CD44, absence of hematopoietic markers CD14 and CD45, and successful differentiation into adipogenic, chondrogenic, and osteogenic lineages. LPS stimulation significantly upregulated the expression of indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), as well as the neurotrophic and regenerative factors glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A). These findings indicate that AT-MSCs derived from Cerdocyon thous possess immunomodulatory and neuroregenerative potential, supporting their relevance for translational research and future applications in conservation veterinary medicine, particularly in the context of inflammatory and neurological disorders.