IFN-γ-induced apoptosis of human embryonic stem cell derived oligodendrocyte progenitor cells is restricted by CXCR2 signaling

► Cultured hOPCs were susceptible to IFN-γ-induced apoptosis. ► Treatment of hOPCs with IFN-γ induced expression of CXCL10 that also contributed to apoptosis. ► Signaling through the chemokine receptor CXCR2 protected hOPCs from either IFN-γ or CXCL10-mediated apoptosis. ► ES-derived OPCs are susceptible to inflammatory cytokine/chemokine-mediated apoptosis yet protection is evoked if ligands for CXCR2 are present.