Mesenchymal stem cells tune the development of monocyte-derived dendritic cells toward a myeloid-derived suppressive phenotype through growth-regulated oncogene chemokines.

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are promising potential candidates for the treatment of immunological diseases because of their immunosuppressive functions. However, the molecular mechanisms that mediate MSCs' immunosuppressive activity remain elusive. In this article, we report for the first time, to our knowledge, that secreted growth-regulated oncogene (GRO) chemokines, specifically GRO-γ, in human MSC-conditioned media have an effect on the differentiation and the function of human monocyte-derived dendritic cells.

Cytokine profiles in various graft-versus-host disease target organs following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Previous studies using genetic-deficient murine models suggest that different T-helper subsets may contribute to different types of tissue damages in graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). However, there is limited information available on the distribution of T-helper cytokines in the various GvHD target tissues. In the current study, an acute GvHD murine model was set up to directly assess the in situ cytokine profiles in various GvHD tissue lesions; in addition, we also studied GvHD tissues from patients who had undergone bone marrow transplantation procedures.

Mesenchymal stem cells promote neutrophil activation by inducing IL-17 production in CD4+ CD45RO+ T cells.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multi-potent with numerous mesenchymal-lineage differentiation potential and immunomodulatory capabilities. However, the immunoregulatory properties of MSCs are not clearly defined. The objective of the present study was to elucidate the role(s) of MSCs in IL-17 production and the subsequent effect(s) on neutrophil activation.

Matrix stiffness regulation of integrin-mediated mechanotransduction during osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) cultured on extracellular matrices with different stiffness have been shown to possess diverse lineage commitment owing to the extracellular mechanical stimuli sensed by the cells. The aim of this study was to further delineate how matrix stiffness affects intracellular signaling through the mechanotransducers Rho kinase (ROCK) and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and subsequently regulates the osteogenic phenotype of MSCs. MSCs were cultured in osteogenic medium on tunable polyacrylamide hydrogels coated with type I collagen with elasticities corresponding to Young's modulus of 7.

Mesenchymal stem cells negatively regulate dendritic lineage commitment of umbilical-cord-blood-derived hematopoietic stem cells: an unappreciated mechanism as immunomodulators.

Due to their immunomodulatory functions, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have great potential for clinical applications to prevent rejection in organ transplantation and to prevent graft-versus-host disease in hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation. Since dendritic cells (DCs) play an important role in modulating diverse T cell responses, including rejection and graft-versus-host disease, the goal of this study was to investigate whether MSCs modulate DC differentiation from HSCs and if this effect could be one of the mechanisms for MSCs' immune-modulating functions. Our results demonstrate that differentiation of HSCs into mature DCs is inhibited in the presence of MSCs.

Characterization of enolase allergen from Rhodotorula mucilaginosa.

Rhodotorula mucilaginosa (also known as R. rubra) is among the most commonly found yeast strains in our environment. However, allergens from R.

cDNA cloning and immunological characterization of a newly identified enolase allergen from Penicillium citrinum and Aspergillus fumigatus.

Background: Penicillium citrinum and Aspergillus fumigatus are prevalent indoor airborne fungal species that have been implicated in human respiratory allergic disorders. It is important to understand the allergenic profile of these fungal species. The purpose of the present study is to characterize a newly identified enolase allergen from P.