Abstract
Human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSCs) show therapeutic effects on systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Deficiency in functional polarization and phagocytosis in macrophages has been suggested in the pathogenesis of SLE. We found that macrophages from B6.MRL-Faslpr mice exhibited lower level of CD206, the marker for alternatively activated macrophage (AAM, also called M2). In addition, the phagocytic activity of B6.MRL-Faslpr macrophages was also decreased. UCMSC transplantation improved the proportion of CD206+ macrophages and their phagocytic activity in B6.MRL-Faslpr mice. Importantly, macrophages from SLE patients also showed lower expression of CD206 and reduced phagocytic activity, which were corrected by being co-cultured with UCMSCs in vitro and in SLE patients receiving UCMSC transplantation. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that IL-6 was required for the up-regulation of CD206 expression and phagocytic activity of UCMSC-treated SLE macrophages. Our results indicate that UCMSCs alleviate SLE through promoting CD206 expression and phagocytic activity of macrophages in an IL-6 dependent manner.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
