In vitro assessment of mesenchymal stem cells immunosuppressive potential in multiple sclerosis patients

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are promising for multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment. However, clinical results remain controversial, and no criteria are available for predicting the efficiency of MSC therapy. Using an in vitro model of lymphocytes and MSC cocultivation we revealed that the Index of MSC Suppression of myelin-induced memory T cells proliferation was stronger than that of PHA-stimulated proliferation and inversely correlated with patients’ EDSS score. In vitro expression of CD119 (IFNGR1) in mitogen/myelin-stimulated T cells increased in the presence of MSC being inversely correlated with T-lymphocytes proliferation. The Index of MSC Suppression and CD119 expression in T-lymphocytes may be useful when assessing MSC immunosuppressive potential in MS patients.

► MSC inhibit mitogen/myelin-stimulated memory T cells proliferation in MS patients. ► MSC suppression of myelin-induced T cell proliferation correlates with EDSS score. ► Index of MSC Suppression reflects the intensity of MSC immunosuppressive potential. ► MSC can limit T cells response in MS patients via IFN-γ-IDO-mediated mechanism. ► CD119 expression in activated T cells increased in the presence of MSC.