CD146 mesenchymal stem cells display greater therapeutic potential than CD146 cells for treating collagen-induced arthritis in mice

The characteristics and therapeutic potential of subtypes of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are largely unknown. In this study, CD146⁺ and CD146^– MSCs were separated from human umbilical cords, and their effects on regulatory T cells (Tregs), Th17 cells, chondrogenesis, and osteogenesis were investigated.

Flow cytometry was used to quantify IL-6 and TGF-β1 expressed on CD146⁺ and CD146^– MSCs. The therapeutic potential of both subpopulations was determined by measuring the clinical score and joint histology after intra-articular (IA) transfer of the cells into mice with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA).

Compared with CD146^– MSCs, CD146⁺ MSCs expressed less IL-6 and had a significantly greater effect on chondrogenesis. After T lymphocyte activation, Th17 cells were activated when exposed to CD146^– cells but not when exposed to CD146⁺ cells both in vitro and in vivo. IA injection of CD146⁺ MSCs attenuated the progression of CIA. Immunohistochemistry showed that only HLA-A⁺ CD146⁺ cells were detected in the cartilage of CIA mice. These cells may help preserve proteoglycan expression.

This study suggests that CD146⁺ cells have greater potency than CD146^– cells for cartilage protection and can suppress Th17 cell activation. These data suggest a potential therapeutic application for CD146⁺ cells in treating inflammatory arthritis.

Reference:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4741021/