Effect on B Cell Function by Mesenchymal Stem Cells of Different Derivation

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent progenitor cells that have broad immunomodulatory properties. The regulatory mechanism of MSCs is of particular relevance due to interests in cell therapy. Although many studies regarding MSC mechanism of action has been reported, MSC effects on B cell proliferation and function is controversial. B cells play an important role in the disease pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). If MSCs are to be developed as a cell therapy for lupus it is important to understand the interaction of MSCs and B cells. In this study we revisit and expand studies of MSCs from various sources on healthy and lupus patient CD19+ B cell proliferation and begin to examine the mechanism by which these cells are interacting. Our results clearly indicate that MSCs are able to have significant effects on B cell proliferation and TNFα production. Moreover, MSC do not enhance B cell proliferation or function in vitro.