Immunological Properties of Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells.

ABSTRACT: Age-related macular degeneration is caused by dysfunction and loss of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells, and their transplantation may rescue visual functions and delay disease progression. Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) may be an unlimited source of RPE cells for allotransplantation. We analyzed the immunomodulatory properties of hESC-derived RPE (hESC-RPE) cells, and showed that they inhibited T cell responses. Co-culture experiments showed that RPE cells inhibited interfon-γ secretion and proliferation of activated T cells. Furthermore, hESC-RPE cells enhanced T cell apoptosis and secretion of the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10). In addition, RPE cells altered the expression of T cell activation markers, CD69 and CD25. RPE cells transplanted into RCS rats with

SUBMITTER: Idelson M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6135721 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature