Immunomodulatory effects of mesenchymal stem cells on leukocytes with emphasis on neutrophils

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a population of multipotent cells with the ability of expansion and plastic-adherence in vitro. MSCs can differentiate into chondrocytes, osteocytes and adipocytes; they lack co-stimulatory molecules and have small amount of MHC-I that makes no immunogenicity. These characteristics are empowering MSCs’ huge in vivo applications. In addition, MSCs possess the ability of regulating the immune responses in many diseases. Many studies have shown that MSCs have immunosuppressive as well as immunoenhancing properties such as inhibition of T-lymphocytes proliferation and cytokines production which lead to the balance of Th1 and Th2. Some other immunomodulatory features of MSCs are increasing suppressive capacity of T_reg, reducing activity of B-lymphocytes and immunoglobulins secretion, inhibition of dendritic cells maturation and antigen presenting capacity, and inhibition of NK-cells activity. MSCs also exert inhibitory effects on neutrophil apoptosis and reduce reactive oxygen species production. The purpose of this paper is to focus on the MSCs? effects on immune cells, especially neutrophils.