Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Mediate Aspergillus Hyphal Extract-Induced Allergic Airway Inflammation by Inhibition of the Th17 Signaling Pathway. (16th January 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lathrop, Melissa J.; Brooks, Elice M.; Bonenfant, Nick R.; Sokocevic, Dino; Borg, Zachary D.; Goodwin, Meagan; Loi, Roberto; Cruz, Fernanda; Dunaway, Chad W.; Steele, Chad; Weiss, Daniel J.
• Is Part Of: Stem cells translational medicine. Volume 3:Number 2(2014)
• Page Start: 194
• Page End: 205
• Publication Date: 2014-01-16
• Subjects: Mesenchymal stromal cell -- Cell therapy -- Lung asthma -- Mouse; Stem cells -- Periodicals; Regenerative medicine -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 616.0277405
• DOI: 10.5966/sctm.2013-0061
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2157-6564

Abstract

Abstract : The current study extends previous observations of mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) effects in models of experimentally induced Th2-mediated eosinophilic allergic airways inflammation to demonstrate potent MSC effects in a mixed model of Th2/Th17 neutrophilic allergic airways inflammation. Although the mechanisms of MSC actions remain unclear, these studies provide a basis for potential clinical application of MSC-based cell therapy approaches for patients with severe neutrophilic steroid-resistant asthma. Abstract: Systemic administration of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) suppresses airway inflammation and methacholine-induced airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR) in mouse models of T helper cell (Th) type 2-mediated eosinophilic allergic airway inflammation (AAI); however, the efficacy of MSCs in mouse models of severe Th17-mediated neutrophilic AAI has not yet been demonstrated. We assessed MSC effects in a mouse model of mixed Th2/Th17 AAI produced by mucosal exposure to Aspergillus fumigatus hyphal extract (AHE). Following sensitization produced by oropharyngeal AHE administration, systemic (tail vein) administration of syngeneic MSCs on the first day of challenge significantly reduced acute AHR predominantly through reduction of Th17-mediated airway inflammation. In parallel experiments, MSCs also mitigated AHR when administered during recurrent challenge 10 weeks after initial sensitization and challenge through reduction in systemic Th17-mediated inflammation. Investigation into potential mechanistic actions of MSCs in this model demonstrated that although T regulatory cells were increased in all AHE-treated mice, MSC administration did not alter T regulatory cell numbers in either the acute or recurrent model. Differential induction of interleukin-17a secretion was observed in ex vivo restimulation of mediastinal lymph node mixed-cell cytokine analyses. Although the mechanisms by which MSCs act to decrease inflammation and AHR in this model are not yet fully elucidated, decrease in Th17-mediated airway inflammation appears to play a significant role. These results provide a basis for further investigations of MSC administration as a potential therapeutic approach for severe refractory neutrophilic asthma.