Human Amniotic Fluid Stem Cells Ameliorate Thioglycollate-Induced Peritonitis by Increasing Tregs in Mice

Abstract

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) affect immune cells and exert anti-inflammatory effects. Human amniotic fluid stem cells (hAFSCs), a type of MSCs, have a high therapeutic effect in animal models of inflammation-related diseases. hAFSCs can be easily isolated and cultured from amniotic fluid, which is considered a medical waste. Hence, amniotic fluid can be a source of cells for MSC therapy of inflammatory diseases. However, the effect of hAFSCs on acquired immunity in vivo, especially on regulatory T cells, has not yet been fully elucidated. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to understand the effects of hAFSCs on acquired immunity, particularly on regulatory T cells. We showed that hAFSCs ameliorated the thioglycollate-induced inflammation by forming aggregates with host immune cells, such as macrophages, T cells, and B cells in the peritoneal cavity. Further, the regulatory T cells increased in the peritoneal cavity. These results indicated that, in addition to helping the innate immunity, hAFSCs could also aid the acquired immune system in vivo against inflammation-related diseases by increasing regulatory T cells.

Amniotic Fluid and Placental Membranes as Sources of Stem Cells: Progress and Challenges 2.0

“…In particular, the relationship between hAFSCs and Tregs in vivo has not been investigated, although an in vitro study showed that hAFSCs increased Tregs [28]. Abe et al [29] showed that hAFSCs ameliorated the thioglycollate-induced inflammation, a peritonitis mice model, by forming aggregates with host immune cells, such as macrophages, T cells, and B cells in the peritoneal cavity. Furthermore, the number of regulatory T cells increased in the peritoneal cavity.…”