Mesenchymal stem cells discovered to be a beneficial therapy for Sjogren's syndrome.

Here is a summary of research done into cells that have been investigated in several autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and Crohn’s disease.  

Immunomodulation is increasingly being considered as a therapeutic alternative for an array of incurable diseases. It frequently is achieved by blocking harmful effects of the immune response while also promoting beneficial interactions of the immune system with disordered tissues. There is growing evidence that mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation has a positive effect by stimulating repair processes after injury and modulating the recipient’s immune response. - Frontiers in Immunology

The research, reported here, was done at Mugla Sıtkı Kocman University, in Turkey and reported in PLOS One in May 2022.

Background information from Science Direct

  • T cells are the majority of lymphocytes in Sjogren's infiltrates. 
  • T cells secrete Th1 and Th2 cytokines.  
  • Th17 T cells actively contribute to Sjogren pathology.  
  • Defective T regulatory cells play a role in disease.  
  • T cells can directly injure glands through cytotoxicity.

Objective

Dental mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can potentially be used in tissue regeneration in inflammatory diseases due to their rapid  reproduction, ability to  differentiate into multiple cell lines, and strong anti-inflammatory features. 

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are cells that have the ability to self-renew. They can be isolated from a variety of tissues. In this research it was from dental tissue.

In this study the effects of these cells in the immune system and glandular tissue regeneration of Sjögren’s Syndrome were investigated.

 

Methods

Dental follicle tissues were obtained from healthy individuals and cultured. The SS mouse model was used. Dental Follicle MSCs were injected into a variety of areas including two glands. White blood cells in the spleen were analyzed for intracellular cytokine secretion in T helper cells, lymphocyte proliferation, and B lymphocyte subsets. Histologic analysis was done for submandibular and lacrimal glands with hematoxylin-eosin staining for morphologic examination.

Histological analysis is the study of the microscopic anatomy of tissues. Thus, histological analysis requires specialized equipment to prepare tissues for analysis and to magnify structures, making them visible. - SpringerLink

Results

The researchers found that Dental Follicle MSCs (DFMSCs) down-regulated the  immune responses by decreasing inflammatory cell deposits and fibrosis in the glandular tissues, reduced lymphocytic infiltration when administered by systemic injection, and changed into glandular epithelial cells when administered into glandular tissue.

Conclusion

DFMSCs have the potential for the regulation of Th1, Th17, and Treg balance in Sjogren's, and to improve glandular dysfunction. DFMSCs can be a beneficial therapy for SS. 

The Study: Dental follicle mesenchymal stem cells ameliorated glandular dysfunction in Sjögren’s syndrome murine model. 

 

Comments