Although pig allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells are not immunogenic in vitro, intracardiac injection elicits an immune response in vivo.

BACKGROUND

In vitro, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have demonstrated a low immunogenic profile. In this study, we tested the immune response to allogeneic MSCs in immunocompetent swines both in vitro and in vivo.

METHODS

Major histocompatibility complex-controlled swine leukocyte antigen (SLA) and SLA were used as donor and recipient, respectively. In vitro, proliferative responses were tested by mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) or cocultures and cytokine profiling by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In vivo, allogeneic MSCs were injected in cardiac infarcted area (n=3) and compared with subcutaneous injections of either MSCs (n=2) or peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs; n=2). Two additional animals received a skin graft as controls. No immunosuppression was used. Specific antidonor humoral responses were tested by flow cytometry and complement-dependent cytotoxicity assay.

RESULTS

In vitro, either unstimulated MSCs or interferon (IFN)-gamma stimulated MSC failed to elicit a proliferative response (stimulation index: 1.23 vs. 1.12 vs. 36.9 for controls, P<.001). Concomitantly to the absence of proliferation to MSCs, low production of IFN-gamma and interleukin-2 was evidenced in supernatants while the production of Th2 cytokines was comparable to controls. In vivo, all animals receiving skin grafts, subcutaneous PBMCs and intracardiac MSCs injections developed donor-specific cellular and humoral responses (immunoglobulins M and G) with antibody-complement-mediated cytotoxicity. Subcutaneous MSCs injection needed a rechallenge to similarly develop a cytotoxic humoral response.

CONCLUSIONS

Intracardiac allogeneic porcine mesenchymal stem cells elicit an immune response despite their low immunogenic profile in vitro. This result suggests that in vivo characteristics of allogeneic MSCs might differ and emphasizes the importance of pursuing research both in vitro and in vivo.