Modulation of human mesenchymal stem cell immunogenicity through forced expression of human cytomegalovirus us proteins.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are promising candidates for cell therapy, as they migrate to areas of injury, differentiate into a broad range of specialized cells, and have immunomodulatory properties. However, MSC are not invisible to the recipient's immune system, and upon in vivo administration, allogeneic MSC are able to trigger immune responses, resulting in rejection of the transplanted cells, precluding their full therapeutic potential. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) has developed several strategies to evade cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) and Natural Killer (NK) cell recognition. Our goal is to exploit HCMV immunological evasion strategies to reduce MSC immunogenicity.

Methodology/principal findings

We genetically engineered human MSC to express HCMV proteins kn

SUBMITTER: Soland MA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3364258 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature