Immunomodulatory effects of foreskin mesenchymal stromal cells on natural killer cells

Foreskin‐mesenchymal stromal cells (FSK‐MSCs) are immune‐privileged thus making them valuable immunotherapeutic cell product. Characterization of the relationship between FSK‐MSCs and natural killer (NK) cells is essential to improve cell‐based therapy. In the present study, we studied for the first time FSK‐MSCs‐NK interaction and showed that the result of such cross talk was robustly dependent on the type of cytokines (IL‐2, IL‐12, IL‐15, and IL‐21) employed to activate NK cells. Distinctly activated‐NK cells showed uneven cytotoxicity against FSK‐MSCs, triggering their death in fine. The expression of different cell‐surface ligands (CD112, CD155, ULPB‐3) and receptors (LAIR, KIRs) ensuring such interaction was altered following co‐culture of both populations. Despite their partial negative effect on NK cell proliferation, FSK‐MSCs boosted the capacity of activated NK‐cells to secrete IFN‐γ and TNF‐α. Moreover, FSK‐MSCs enhanced degranulation of NK cells, reinforced secretion of perforin and granzymes, while only modestly increased ROS production. On the other hand, FSK‐MSCs‐mediated expression of C1 and B9 serpins was significantly lowered in the presence of activated NK cells. Altogether, our results highlight major immunological changes following FSK‐MSCs‐NK interaction. Understanding these outcomes will therefore enhance the value of the therapeutic strategy. In the present study, we characterized the outcome followin...
Source: Journal of Cellular Physiology - Category: Cytology Authors: Tags: ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE Source Type: research