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Abstract

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation has been explored as a new clinical approach to repair injured tissue. A growing corpus of studies have highlighted two important aspects of MSC therapy: 1) MSCs can modulate T-cell-mediated immunological responses, and (2) systemically administered MSCs home to sites of ischemia or injury. In this review, we describe the known mechanisms of immunomodulation and homing of MSCs. First, we examine the low immunogenicity of MSCs and their antigen presentation capabilities. Next, we discuss the paracrine interactions between MSCs and innate [dendritic cells (DC)] and adaptive immune cells (T lymphocytes) with a focus on prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), and toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathways. We transition to outline the steps of activation, rolling/adhesion, and transmigration of MSCs into target tissues during inflammatory or ischemic conditions. These aspects of MSC grafts—immunomodulation and homing—are contextualized to understand a reported side effect of MSC therapy, cancer development.

Keywords

Immunosuppression T-cell proliferation Stem cell migration Interferon-γ (IFN-γ)Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)

Introduction

Within the bone marrow space multipotent stromal cells, also referred to as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), are known to be the precursor cells for stromal tissues that support hematopoiesis (15). MSCs are anchorage-dependent cells, as opposed to other cells from bone marrow aspirates, thereby making their isolation fairly straightforward. More importantly, MSCs can expand rapidly in vitro while maintaining their multipotency (9). Many studies have demonstrated their therapeutic potential as multipotent cells (ability to differentiate into a limited number of cell types). Traditionally, MSCs can differentiate to mesenchymal lineages such as osteoblasts, adipocytes, chondrocytes, and potentially other skeletal tissue cells by culturing MSCs in defined mechanochemical conditions (72). MSCs are characterized for the expression of surface markers such as CD73, CD90, and CD105, and the absence of expression of hematopoietic lineage markers (47). It is theorized that MSCs may reside in other locations other than the bone marrow, such as adipose tissue and surrounding vasculature structures, with the touted notion that they may be present in all adult tissues (13).

Although no specific surface marker or gene product to date distinguishes MSCs from other mesenchymal cells, the functional properties of MSCs make them unique and therapeutically relevant. MSCs have been shown to modulate immunological responses via T-cell suppression (1, 4, 19, 44, 59, 98). As such, they have been investigated as a new therapeutic strategy for T-cell-mediated diseases such as graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) (49, 51), Crohn's disease (29), and the prevention of organ transplantation rejection (10). Moreover, the therapeutic benefit of MSC transplantation has been observed in acute tissue injuries of the lung (68, 76), heart (30, 67, 107), kidney (45), and liver (33, 46, 100). In these disease contexts, MSCs have been observed to migrate to injured sites after systemic administration. Tissue-specific engraftment is referred to as homing (2, 108), and this aspect of MSC therapy in disease may be essential for their medicinal effects.

Herein, we present evidence that mechanistically elaborates these two important components of MSC therapy: immunomodulation and homing. We discuss how the natural functions of MSCs, such as antigen presentation and cytokine secretion, may impact immune cells during disease with a focus on several key molecular mediators and cellular targets of MSC therapy. We transition then to understand the events associated with MSC trafficking and engraftment to injured tissues. Finally, we leverage this understanding of MSCs to interpret a potential side effect of this cell therapy, namely cancer development.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Antigen Presentation

The physical location, or niche, of a stem cell provides invaluable information of its role and interactions within the tissue. MSCs are reportedly located on the abluminal surface of the main sinusoidal blood vessels in the adult bone marrow, thus forming an interface between the periphery and marrow cavity (5). Because of their location, cells entering or exiting the marrow may require engagement with MSCs. The “gatekeeping” aspect of the MSC niche, along with the known immune properties of MSCs, suggests that MSCs are actively involved in homeostasis of bone marrow (74) as the first line of immunological defense. Because it would be desirable to rapidly clear insults to the bone marrow by infectious agents without overt inflammation, it should be expected that MSCs may transition from immune-stimulatory to immunosuppressive depending on the circumstance. Indeed, there is evidence to support the duality in MSC immune status. MSCs have been reported to suppress immune rejection in different species (4, 18). However, tolerance of MSCs across the allogeneic barrier might not be absolute because studies by another group report on experimental evidence that questions the status of immune privilege (22).

One potential route by which MSCs can naturally switch immune states is based on the way they process antigens and express costimulatory molecules at the immunological synapse. Furthermore, many studies have begun to elucidate what factors govern the immune state of MSCs and have revealed important roles for chemical cues, particularly interferon (IFN)-γ, in defining MSC phenotype. MSCs have been reported to express major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, including MHC class II (MHC-II), and the levels of MHC are altered by proinflammatory cytokines (4). Previous studies have shown that low levels of IFN-γ cause MSCs to express MHC-II as antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and high levels of IFN-γ mediate decreased expression of MHC-II (11). Sheng et al. (86) describe a role for the IFN-γ-dependent expression of a negative costimulatory molecule, B7-H1 (PD-L1), by MSCs. This study showed upregulation of PD-L1 by T-cell-mediated production of IFN-γ and the relevance of PD-L1 to the suppressive properties of MSCs. Taken together, a feedback loop may exist that alters MHC-II and PD-L1 expression by IFN-γ levels and ultimately coordinates the rise and fall of an immune response. Hypothetically, when MSCs are exposed to an insult, such as a bacterial infection, MHC-II molecules facilitate the presentation of bacterial antigens, which leads to the activation of T cells. The latter cells produce IFN-γ. At high levels, IFN-γ mediates decreased expression of MHC-II to switch off antigen presentation and concomitantly upregulate B7-H1, which inhibits activated T cells (Fig. 1). The roles of MSCs as both APCs and as immune suppressor cells can be explained as a function of IFN-γ levels and this balance between the immune stimulatory and inhibitory properties should be considered for future clinical applications using MSCs.

Figure 1.

Mechanism of antigen presentation and immunomodulation. At low levels of IFN-γ, MSC express MHC-II as APCs and at high levels of IFN-γ, MHC-II is downregulated and B7-H1 is upregulated. IFN-γ and TNF-α individually stimulate MSCs to upregulate PGE₂, COX-2, and/or IDO. These mediators can inhibit T-cell, NK cell, and DC function. MSC expresses TNFR and TLR, which regulate NF-κB activation. This pathway modulates the cytokine secretion from MSCs and the inhibition of T-cell proliferation.

Evidence That MSCs are Immunomodulatory

The ability of MSCs to modulate the immune system was first recognized after it was observed that they could evade immunosurveillance after cell transplantation (52). Now this ability of MSCs to alter an immune response has been exploited for therapeutic purposes as by ongoing clinical trials of MSCs for the treatment of steroid-refractory graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) (49).

MSCs can suppress several T-lymphocyte activities both in vitro and in vivo (1, 4, 19, 44, 59, 98). Naive and memory cells are subjected to MSC-mediated suppression and the MSC inhibitory effect does not require the presence of APCs and is not mediated through CD4⁺/CD25⁺ regulatory T cells (44). Although the mechanisms by which these cells exert their immunosuppressive function are still unclear, it is likely that mechanisms involving both cell-to-cell contact and soluble factors are involved in supporting T-cell inhibition in antigen-specific and nonspecific manners (1, 44, 59, 98).

There are a number of cellular targets of MSC therapy that span both the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system. MSCs altered the cytokine secretion profile of dendritic cells (DCs), naive and effector T cells [T helper 1 (TH1) and TH2], and natural killer (NK) cells to induce a more anti-inflammatory or tolerant phenotype. Specifically, MSCs caused: 1) mature DCs type 1 (DC1) to decrease tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) secretion and mature DC2 to increase interleukin-10 (IL-10) secretion; 2) TH1 cells to decrease IFN-γ and caused TH2 cells to increase secretion of IL-4; 3) an increase in the proportion of regulatory T suppressor cells; and 4) decreased secretion of IFN-γ from NK cells (1).

The Contribution of MSC Soluble Factors and Cell-Cell Interaction

Several studies have shown that MSCs actively inhibit the function of several immune cells through secreted cytokines, growth factors, and enzymatic action. For instance, the immunosuppressive function of lung resident MSCs was noted in the absence of direct cell contact (38). Collectively, secreted molecules from MSCs delivered by bolus injection of concentrated conditioned medium or by MSC extracorporeal bioreactor treatment can reverse a rat model of multiorgan dysfunction syndrome (100). In contrast to those studies that support a central role for MSC soluble factors others suggested that cell–cell contact is more important (39, 89). Tse et al. (98) demonstrated that close proximity to MSCs was important in suppressing T-cell responsiveness and suggested that direct contact between lymphocytes and MSCs was more important than soluble mediators in the immunosuppressive function of MSCs. Krampera et al. stated that inhibition requires the presence of MSCs in culture and MSC–T-cell contact (44). Recently, several reports stated the importance of combined soluble factors and cell–cell contact in MSC-mediated immunosuppression (25, 108). In order for MSCs to provide a pleiotropic immunomodulatory effect that is responsive to different stimulants such as cytokines and chemokines and target different effector cells such as T cells, NK cells, and DCs, it seems reasonable for MSCs to employ both direct and soluble mediators that coordinate for a multipronged approach to therapy.

Immunomodulation by Soluble Factors

MSC-Derived Lipid Intermediates Suppresses T-Cell Proliferation

Prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) is a lipid intermediate that has been implicated as one of the potential candidates responsible for T-cell inhibition by MSCs (1, 25, 38). Like all prostanoids, PGE₂ is synthesized from arachidonic acid via the actions of either the constitutive cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) or the inducible COX-2 enzyme (26). Murine and human MSCs constitutively express COX-2. PGE₂ production is upregulated after coculture of human MSCs with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) (98), suggesting communication between MSC and lymphocytes that leads to the increased production of immunosuppressive factors such as PGE₂ (23, 25). Both COX-2 and PGE₂ expression by MSCs was upregulated by IFN-γ and TNF-α, suggesting a level of control based on the inflammatory microenvironment. Aggarwal et al. (1) demonstrated that the human MSCs produced elevated PGE₂ in coculture with T cells, and inhibitors of PGE₂ production mitigated MSC-mediated immunomodulation in vitro. Also, Jarvinen et al. (38) showed PGE₂ synthetic capacity of lung allograft-derived MSCs isolated from bronchioalveolar lavage samples from lung transplant recipients. Lung resident (LR)-MSCs significantly inhibited proliferation of third party, HLA-mismatched T-cells, which was abrogated by using COX inhibitors. These findings suggest that PGE₂ is one of the key molecules involved in the immunomodulatory effect of MSCs.

MSC Metabolism of Tryptophan Suppresses T-Cell Proliferation

Recent data has shown a role for indoleamine 2,3 deoxygenase (IDO) in human MSC-mediated immune suppression (59). IDO is the rate-limiting enzyme involved in the catabolism of the essential amino acid tryptophan into its breakdown product kynurenine (95). IDO is involved in the inhibition of T-cell proliferation by dendritic cells (34). MSCs do not constitutively express IDO; however, when stimulated with IFN-γ, but not TNF-α, MSCs can be induced to express IDO and previous reports suggested a role for this enzyme in human MSC suppression (23, 44, 59). Ryan et al. (80) demonstrated the contribution of IDO to IFN-γ induced immunomodulation by MSC using an antagonist of IDO, 1-methyl-l-tryptophan. Moreover, the tryptophan catabolite kynurenine had been examined in mixed lymphocyte reactions (MLR), and was found to block alloproliferation. These findings support a model where IDO exerts its effect through the local accumulation of tryptophan metabolites rather than through tryptophan depletion. However, Tse et al. (98) did not find a significant restoration of proliferation by IDO. This finding indicates that IDO is not an exclusive mechanism for MSC immunomodulation in basal states, but it is essential for MSC suppression in the presence of IFN-γ.

The Role of Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β), Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF), and other Soluble Factors in MSC Immunotherapy

Previous studies demonstrated that exposure to IFN-γ did not ablate MSC inhibition of T-cell proliferation, but induced expression of HGF and TGF-β1 at concentrations that suppressed alloresponsiveness (79). Another report demonstrated that quantitative real-time PCR confirmed significant HGF mRNA upregulated by IFN-γ and TNF-α (23). Di Nicola et al. (19) suggested that HGF worked in synergy with TGF-β1 to resist T-cell recognition by simultaneous neutralization of HGF and TGF-β1 in the latter study restoring T-cell proliferation. In addition, there are several reports suggesting that other soluble factors such as nitric oxide (83) can regulate immunosuppressive effect of MSCs.

Inhibition of NK Cell Proliferation and DC Maturation by Soluble Factors and Cell-Cell Interaction

NK Cell Proliferation and NK Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity

In effect, MSCs modulate different aspects of the rejection process, including the inhibition of DC differentiation (24), skewing of CD4⁺ T helper population phenotypes, and modulation of CD8⁺ cytotoxic T lymphocyte and NK cell functions (80). NK cells are major effector cells of the innate immunity and are generally thought to play a fundamental role in antiviral responses (7). MSCs and NK cells have been shown to interact in vitro (44, 89, 91). The outcome of this interaction may depend on the state of NK cell activation and/or the cytokines present in the milieu. Previous studies have described that cytokine-induced proliferation of NK cells was highly susceptible to MSC-mediated inhibition (91). In addition, the levels of surface expression of activating NK receptors were positively correlated with NK cell function (62, 87). There is growing evidence that IDO, PGE₂, and TGF-β1 may represent relevant mediators of MSC-mediated inhibition of NK cell function (1, 19, 59). Spaggiari et al. (91) demonstrated a strong inhibition of NK cell proliferation when NK cells were cultured in the presence of MSCs. Remarkably, the simultaneous blocking of IDO and PGE₂ could almost completely restore NK cell proliferation. They also showed the ability of NK cells in killing target cells was markedly reduced when cultured with MSCs (90). These data further confirm that IDO and PGE₂ may exert a synergistic effect in the immunosuppressive activity mediated by MSCs.

DC Maturation

DCs play a key role in the initiation of primary immune responses and in tolerance, depending on the activation and maturation stage of DCs (3). Immature DCs behave as sentinels in peripheral tissues, with highly efficient antigen uptake and processing, and low ability to stimulate T cells. Locally produced inflammatory cytokines or microbial components promote the maturation of DCs from a processing to a presenting stage, characterized by upregulation of MHC class II and costimulatory molecules (CD80 and CD86), production of IL-12, and migration to lymphoid tissue (60). DC maturation is a prerequisite to induce immunogenic T-cell responses, whereas tolerance is observed when antigens are presented by immature or semimature DCs (23). Therefore, DC maturation plays a key role in initiating T-cell responses (55). Recent evidence demonstrates that MSC disrupt the three major functions that characterize the transition of DC from immature to mature stages, namely the upregulation of antigen presentation/costimulatory molecule expression, the ability to present defined antigens, and the capacity to migrate to CCL19 (24). Furthermore, reduction of IL-12 secretion was also observed after MSC coculture (39).

MSCs produce several cytokines, including IL-6 and monocyte-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF), which have been shown to have an important role in DC differentiation (65). It is now clear that modulation of DC maturation by MSC requires IL-6 and a contact-dependent signal (20, 24). Djouad et al. observed that MSCs secrete higher levels of IL-6, which was involved in the reversion of the maturation of DC to a less mature phenotype and in the partial inhibition of bone marrow progenitors to DC (20). PGE₂ has also been observed to contribute to the modulation of DC maturation (12, 20). Chen et al. (12) demonstrated that blockade of PGE₂ synthesis in MSCs could revert most of the inhibitory effects on DCs differentiation and function. Taken together, these findings suggest that PGE₂ and IL-6 can mediate DC maturation by MSCs and that leads to T-cell suppression.

MSCs Induce T-Cell Suppression Through Nuclear Factor-κB (NF-κB) Pathway

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are conserved family receptors that recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns and promote the activation of immune cells (104). It is recognized that TLRs mediate stress responses of bone marrow-derived progenitor cells (64). A recent study described the importance of TLRs in migration and immune regulation of MSCs (71, 97). The common signaling feature among all TLRs is the activation of the transcription factor (NF-κB), which has been implicated in controlling the expression of inflammatory cytokines and cell maturation molecules (53). Pevsner-Fischer et al. (71) demonstrated that cultured MSCs express TLR molecules 1 to 8. Activation of MSCs by TLR ligands induced IL-6 secretion and NF-κB nuclear translocation. Liotta et al. (53) demonstrated that LPS was able to induce NF-κB activation in MSCs, as well as cytokine and chemokine production such as IL-6, IL-8, and CXCL10. However, the addition in culture of LPS could significantly reduce the suppressive activity of MSCs on T-cell proliferation. They showed that ligation of TLR3 or TLR4 on MSCs inhibited their suppressive effect on T-cell proliferation by hampering Jagged-1 expression, which impaired signaling to its cognate Notch receptor expressed on T cells. TLRs were critical players in the immunoregulation observed in vivo when MSCs were transplanted in vivo (41, 97). The intersec of pathways triggered by IFN-γ was observed in the immunomodulatory effect of MSCs by the activation of NF-κB through the upregulation of COX-2 and PGE₂ (23, 66). In addition, TNF-α has been shown to be a critical modulator of NF-κB, and there is evidence that MSCs can express TNF receptor (TNFR) (14). Recently, Nemeth et al. reported that MSCs, when activated by LPS or TNF-α, could reprogram macrophages by releasing PGE₂ that acts on the macrophages through EP2 and EP4 receptors, for the treatment of sepsis (66, 71). These findings suggest that NF-κB activation via both TLR and TNFR expressing on MSCs can suppress T-cell proliferation and DC maturation (Fig. 1).

Homing of Exogenous MSCS

Homing is the process by which cells migrate to, and engraft in, the tissue in which they can exert local, functional effects. While the homing of leukocytes to sites of inflammation is well studied (35, 54), the mechanisms of progenitor cell homing to sites of ischemia or injury are poorly understood. Yet, we will describe the lessons learned from leukocyte homing to provide insight into MSC transplantation (Fig. 2).

Figure 2.

Mechanism of homing. (A) MSCs express integrin β1 and/or integrin α4/β1 complex stimulated by cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-1. They home to VCAM-1-expressed endothelial cells that are primed by local inflammation. (B) MSCs can express CXCR4 stimulate by tissue injury and modulate cell–cell contact and rolling with endothelial cells that upregulate SDF-1 due to tissue injury, such as hypoxia. (C) Finally, MSCs transmigrate into extracellular matrix by interactions with integrins and fibronectin, which is modulated by bFGF, TLR signaling, or MMP-2 expressed by MSCs.

Homing involves a cascade of events initiated by shear resistant adhesive interactions between flowing cells and the vascular endothelium at the target tissue (Step 1). This process is mediated by “homing receptors” expressed on circulating cells that engage relevant endothelial coreceptors, resulting in cell tethering and rolling contacts on the endothelial surface. This is typically followed by chemokine-triggered activation of integrin adhesiveness (Step 2), firm adhesion (Step 3) and extravasation (Step 4) (81). The cellular expression of adhesion molecules is critically important for cell-based therapy to mediate adhesion of the implanted cells to the extracellular matrix of targeted tissue in host animals (37). The homing of MSC after systemic or local infusion has been studied in animal models in a variety of experimental settings. A growing number of studies of various pathologic conditions have demonstrated that MSC selectively home to sites of injury, irrespective of the tissue (68, 76). The homing ability of MSC has been demonstrated in the settings of wound healing, and tissue regeneration (58). Because most of the studies have been investigated by systemic infusion of MSCs for clinical application, the understanding of homing mechanisms might be crucial for enhancing MSC engraftment particularly when cells are infused via the vascular route.

Integrins and MSC Homing

Integrins have been known to play a key role in cell adhesion, migration, and chemotaxis (35, 75, 102). Among the family of integrins, integrin α4/β1 is a cell surface heterodimer, which mediates cell–cell and cell–extracellular matrix interactions through adhesion to the vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1 and to the V-region of fibronectin (31). This integrin α4/β1–VCAM interaction has been studied to regulate T cell and natural killer cell trafficking (103).

The expression of integrins has been known to contribute to the process of neutrophil locomotion, including members of integrin β1 and β2 (35, 102). Integrin β1 also involves cell-to-cell adhesion (102), which may be important for the anchorage of the engrafted cells. The process of the integrin expression is enhanced upon leukocyte activation by chemokines leading to integrinmediated firm adhesion on endothelial cell monolayers, diapedesis through the endothelial cell wall, and finally the migration/invasion into the extracellular matrix using integrin-dependent processes and matrix-degrading proteases (35). Stimulated by a chemotactic gradient, leukocytes traverse the extracellular matrix by way of transient interactions between integrin receptors and components of the extracellular matrix that serve as adhesive ligands (48, 69). As expected, blockade of integrin β1 diminishes neutrophil migration to the lung during inflammation (75).

VCAM-1 has been shown to promote the adhesion of endothelium, lymphocytes, monocytes, and DCs (92, 96). Primarily, VCAM-1 is an endothelial ligand for integrins α4β1, β1, and α4β7. Upregulation of VCAM-1 by endothelial cells due to cytokines occurs as a result of increased gene transcription in response to TNF-α and IL-1β (105). Stimulation of leukocyte adhesion to the endothelium is one of many TNF-α activities and is coordinated with the upregulation of adhesion molecules on the endothelial cell surface (57). A recent study demonstrated that anti-VCAM-1 antibodies reduce the adhesion of rat MSCs to microvascular endothelial cells (85).

It has been demonstrated that bone marrow-derived MSCs expressed many integrins on their surface (17), including high levels of integrin β1 and α4, and their binding partners were upregulated in the ischemic myocardium (36). Ip et al. (36) demonstrated that a significant reduction in the total number of MSC in the infarcted myocardium was observed after integrin β1 blockade. Also some studies revealed that the integrin α4/β1 is one of the integrins that can mediate initial capture, rolling, and firm attachment of MSCs to the bone marrow (37). Ruster et al. (78) showed that MSCs interact in a coordinated fashion with endothelial cells, not only by integrin α4/β1–VCAM-1 interaction or integrin β1, but also by the endothelial phenotype, P-selectin, MMP-2 secretion, and cytokines. The requirement of integrin α4 for bone marrow engraftment of stem cells has been substantiated in other studies where murine or sheep bone marrow was incubated with anti-integrin α4 antibody and the repopulating stem cells failed to engraft in bone (108). The expression of several adhesion molecules modulate the homing of MSCs to endothelial cells as demonstrated by coculture experiments (94), a flow chamber model (78), and an intra-arterial injection (85) (Fig. 2A).

MSC Interactions with Extracellular Matrix Components

Fibronectin binds extracellular matrix components such as collagen, fibrin, and heparan sulfate proteoglycans (77). It plays a major role in cell adhesion, growth, migration, and differentiation, and it is important for wound healing processes (99). Along with fibrin, plasma fibronectin is deposited at the site of injury to form a blood clot that stops bleeding and protects the underlying tissue. As repair of the injured tissue continues, fibroblasts and macrophages begin to remodel the area, degrading the proteins that form the provisional blood clot matrix and replacing it with a matrix that more resembles the normal, surrounding tissue (93). Fragmenting fibronectin further exposes its V-region, which contains the site for integrin α4β1 binding, which is expressed on MSCs. These fragments of fibronectin are believed to enhance integrin α4β1-expressing cell binding, allowing them to adhere to and forcefully contract the surrounding matrix (99). These reports support a notion that integrin α4/β1–fibronectin interaction plays a major role in transmigration of MSCs into extracellular matrix (Fig. 2C).

CXCR4 Expression on MSC and Interaction with Stromal Cell-Derived Factor 1 (SDF-1)

SDF-1, which is officially designated chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 12 (CXCL12), is a small chemotactic cytokine that activates leukocytes and is often induced by proinflammatory stimuli such as TNF-α or IL-1 (27). The receptor for this chemokine is CXCR4 and the SDF-1-CXCR4 interaction is considered to be exclusive (56). However, Bleul et al. suggested that because SDF-1 is expressed constitutively in a broad range of tissues it may have a role in immune surveillance and in basal extravasation of lymphocytes and monocytes rather than solely in inflammation (8). This interaction between SDF-1 and its ligand CXCR4 plays an important role in homing as shown by studies on engraftment of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (70) and on colonization of bone and bone marrow by metastatic breast and prostate cancer cells (63). SDF-1, required for stem cell homing to bone marrow, was upregulated immediately after myocardial infarction and downregulated within 7 days. Askari et al. (2) concluded by these findings that SDF-1 was sufficient to induce therapeutic stem cell homing to injured myocardium and suggest a strategy for directed stem cell engraftment into injured tissues.

Sordi et al. reported the chemotactic responsiveness of MSCs to chemokines. MSCs released chemokines and displayed a restricted response pattern to chemokines. MSCs migrated appreciably in response to SDF-1 and CX3CL, consistent with their expression of chemokine receptors CXCR4 or CX3CR1, respectively. Based on these data, they stated that the SDF-1-CXCR4 axis is involved in MSC migration and this is conserved also in tissue MSCs (88). Also Wynn et al. (106) showed that CXCR4 is important for MSC migration to bone marrow. However, cell surface receptor levels of CXCR4 on MSC is low, with large amounts found intracellularly. Although CXCR4 is present at the cell membrane of 3.9% of MSCs, high levels of receptor expression were found in 83% to 98% of cells intracellularly. This was in contrast to CD34⁺ cells, in which only 12.2% of the cells were positive as previously published (43). CXCR4 intracellular storage has been previously described in response to cytokines (101). In the study, the response of the CXCR4 receptor to SDF-1 was shown in dose-dependent manner. Thus, the CXCR4 receptor, which is present at low levels at the cell surface, is likely to be translocated to the surface upon chemokine stimulation and contributes to MSC migration (106) (Fig. 2B).

However, there are several studies that contradict these results. One report stated that MSCs lack many effectors of homing, especially E-selectin ligands and CXCR4 (82). Another study indicated that MSCs use integrin β1 but not CXCR4 for myocardial migration and engraftment (36). Taken together, the mechanism of MSC migration is still unclear and further investigation is required.

Other Factors Modulating MSC Migration

Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (bFGF)

Large stores of bFGF are typically embedded in extracellular matrix molecules. bFGF was able to increase the migratory activity of MSCs by activation of the Akt (protein kinase B) pathway. Surprisingly, bFGF could have opposing effects on MSC migration depending on the concentration. Gradient experiments using bFGF showed that low concentrations of bFGF led to an attraction of the cells, whereas higher concentrations resulted in repulsion. This ambivalent effect of bFGF provides the possibility of purposeful routing of MSCs (84).

Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs)

As evidenced by ELISA, MSCs secrete MMP-2 but not MMP-9. Recently, De Becker et al. demonstrated a functional involvement of MMP-2 expressed in MSC homing through bone marrow endothelium (16). Steingen et al. also showed that transendothelial migration of MSCs is at least partially regulated by MMP-2 (94).

TLR-Mediated Migration

We previously described TLR signaling in the context of MSC differentiation into immunosuppressive cells. TLR-mediated differentiation may also prime the cells to migrate. Using transwell migration assays, TLR ligation promoted human MSC migration and disruption of TLRs by neutralizing antibodies compromised MSC migration (97).

The Global Role of Inflammation and MSC Homing

It is likely that increased inflammatory chemokine concentration at the site of inflammation is a major factor causing MSCs to preferentially migrate to these sites. Chemokines are released after tissue damage and MSC express the receptors for several chemokines (28). The migration capacity of MSCs was found to be under the control of a large range of receptor tyrosine kinase growth factors such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) or insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and chemokines such as CCR2, CCR3, CCR4, or CCL5 as assessed by in vitro migration assays. In addition, most chemokines are more effective when stimulated by TNF-α or IL-1β. These findings suggested that the mobilization of MSCs and their subsequent homing to injured tissues might depend on the systemic and local inflammatory state (73).

Cancer and MSCs

Recently MSCs have been found to have a central role in the pathogenesis and progression of tumors. Because there is evidence that tumors can be considered sites of potential inflammatory cytokine and chemokine production, these properties may enable MSC to home to, and immunomodulate, the tumor environment (32). One of the distinct compartments of generalized solid tumors is the stroma, which is the nonmalignant supportive tissue that includes extracellular matrix, blood vessels, immune and inflammatory cells, and connective tissue (50). Stroma is placed between malignant cells and normal host tissues and is crucial for tumor growth. Recent evidence showed that MSCs actively migrate to, and proliferate in, tumors. MSCs were found to contribute to the tumor-associated stroma within sites of inflammation and were in close proximity with tumor cells as part of the remodeling process (42). Homing and migration of MSCs to tumors was found to be mediated by monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) secreted by primary breast cancers (21), or SDF-1 in response to prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, and breast cancer cell lines (61). Malignant gliomas seem to recruit MSCs by secreting a large array of angiogenesis-related cytokines, including IL-8, TGF-β, and VEGF (6). The incorporation of MSC into an otherwise nonmalignant cell mass may lead to metastatic growth as observed in a breast tumor implants (42).

Conclusions and Future Perspectives

The objective of this review was to provide a clear and unified theory of MSC therapy from initial injection to therapeutic response. It is clear that MSCs have a capacity to home and integrate into damaged tissues and provide immunomodulatory effects by paracrine and/or cell–cell contact that is regulated by the inflammatory microenvironment. This approach is now being successfully used to cotransplant MSCs with other parenchymal cells, such as hepatocytes or islet cells, to enhance the engraftment and function of parenchymal cells in an immunoprotected fashion (40, 46). These findings may extend future prospects of the clinical application of MSCs into broader applications. Furthermore, the opportunity exists to use genetic engineering of MSCs to express specific factors for homing and therapy (82). In summary, a rational understanding of MSCs mechanisms of action will allow for the translation of our basic knowledge of MSC biology into the design of new clinical therapies. Ongoing and future clinical trials with MSCs will provide a rich resource of bedside information that can be studied extensively in the laboratory to further advance this burgeoning field.

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Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Mechanisms of Immunomodulation and Homing

Abstract

Keywords

Introduction

Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Antigen Presentation

Evidence That MSCs are Immunomodulatory

The Contribution of MSC Soluble Factors and Cell-Cell Interaction

Immunomodulation by Soluble Factors

MSC-Derived Lipid Intermediates Suppresses T-Cell Proliferation

MSC Metabolism of Tryptophan Suppresses T-Cell Proliferation

The Role of Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β), Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF), and other Soluble Factors in MSC Immunotherapy

Inhibition of NK Cell Proliferation and DC Maturation by Soluble Factors and Cell-Cell Interaction

NK Cell Proliferation and NK Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity

DC Maturation

MSCs Induce T-Cell Suppression Through Nuclear Factor-κB (NF-κB) Pathway

Homing of Exogenous MSCS

Integrins and MSC Homing

MSC Interactions with Extracellular Matrix Components

CXCR4 Expression on MSC and Interaction with Stromal Cell-Derived Factor 1 (SDF-1)

Other Factors Modulating MSC Migration

Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (bFGF)

Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs)

TLR-Mediated Migration

The Global Role of Inflammation and MSC Homing

Cancer and MSCs

Conclusions and Future Perspectives

References