Extended survival versus accelerated rejection of nonhuman primate islet allografts: Effect of mesenchymal stem cell source and timing.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have been shown to be immunomodulatory, tissue regenerative, and graft promoting; however, several questions remain with regard to ideal MSC source and timing of administration. In this study, we utilized a rigorous preclinical model of allogeneic islet cell transplantation, incorporating reduced immune suppression and near to complete mismatch of major histocompatibility antigens between the diabetic cynomolgus monkey recipient and the islet donor, to evaluate both the graft promoting impact of MSC source, that is, derived from the islet recipient, the islet donor or an unrelated third party as well as the impact of timing. Co-transplant of MSC and islets on post-operative day 0, followed by additional IV MSC infusions in the first posttransplant month, resulted in prolongation of rejection free and overall islet survival and superior metabolic control for animals treated with recipient as compared to donor or third-party MSC.

Activated Mesenchymal Stem Cells Induce Recovery Following Stroke Via Regulation of Inflammation and Oligodendrogenesis.

Background Brain repair mechanisms fail to promote recovery after stroke, and approaches to induce brain regeneration are scarce. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are thought to be a promising therapeutic option. However, their efficacy is not fully elucidated, and the mechanism underlying their effect is not known.

Composite tissue allotransplantation and dysregulation in tissue repair and regeneration: a role for mesenchymal stem cells.

Vascularized composite tissue allotransplantation is a rapidly evolving area that has brought technological advances to the forefront of plastic surgery, hand surgery, and transplant biology. Composite tissue allografts (CTAs) may have profound functional, esthetic, and psychological benefits, but carry with them the risks of life-long immunosuppression and the inadequate abilities to monitor and prevent rejection. Allografts may suffer from additional insults further weakening their overall benefits.

Activated mesenchymal stem cells increase wound tensile strength in aged mouse model via macrophages.

Background: Wound healing is impaired in the aged. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can exert beneficial effects in wounds; however, promoting healing in the challenging setting of aged skin may require additional potency. MSCs can enhance the production of pro-regenerative cytokines and growth factors when activated with interferon gamma.

The potential of mesenchymal stromal cells as a novel cellular therapy for multiple sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory neurodegenerative disease of the CNS for which only partially effective therapies exist. Intense research defining the underlying immune pathophysiology is advancing both the understanding of MS as well as revealing potential targets for disease intervention. Mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) therapy has the potential to modulate aberrant immune responses causing demyelination and axonal injury associated with MS, as well as to repair and restore damaged CNS tissue and cells.

Emerging roles for multipotent, bone marrow-derived stromal cells in host defense.

Multipotent, bone marrow-derived stromal cells (BMSCs, also known as mesenchymal stem cells [MSCs]), are culture-expanded, nonhematopoietic cells with immunomodulatory effects currently being investigated as novel cellular therapy to prevent and to treat clinical disease associated with aberrant immune response. Emerging preclinical studies suggest that BMSCs may protect against infectious challenge either by direct effects on the pathogen or through indirect effects on the host. BMSCs may reduce pathogen burden by inhibiting growth through soluble factors or by enhancing immune cell antimicrobial function.

Mesenchymal stem cells enhance allogeneic islet engraftment in nonhuman primates.

Objective: To test the graft-promoting effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in a cynomolgus monkey model of islet/bone marrow transplantation.

Research Design And Methods: Cynomolgus MSCs were obtained from iliac crest aspirate and characterized through passage 11 for phenotype, gene expression, differentiation potential, and karyotype. Allogeneic donor MSCs were cotransplanted intraportally with islets on postoperative day (POD) 0 and intravenously with donor marrow on PODs 5 and 11.

A Modified Cage to Minimize Catheter Contamination in the Chronically Catheterized Baboon.

Here we describe modifications made to an 8 sq. ft. aluminum baboon cage to allow removal of a chronically cannulated baboon from the cage without disconnecting the catheter connections.