Journal of Stem Cell Research & Therapy

Abstract

Mesenchymal Stem Cell Soluble Mediators and Cystic Fibrosis

Morgan T Sutton, David Fletcher, Nicole Episalla, Lauren Auster, Michael Folz, Varun Roy, Rolf van Heeckeren, Donald P Lennon, Arnold I Caplan and Tracey L Bonfield

Human Mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) secrete products (supernatants) that are anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. We have previously shown that hMSCs decrease inflammation and Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in the in vivo murine model of Cystic Fibrosis (CF). CF is a genetic disease in which pulmonary infection and inflammation becomes the major cause of morbidity and mortality. Our studies focus on determining how hMSCs contribute to improved outcomes in the CF mouse model centering on how the hMSCs impact the inflammatory response to pathogenic organisms. We hypothesize that hMSCs secrete products that are anti-inflammatory in scenarios of chronic pulmonary infections using the murine model of infection and inflammation with a specific interest in Pseudomonas aeruginosa (gram negative). Further, our studies will identify whether the hMSCs are impacting this inflammatory response through the regulation of peroxisome proliferator activator receptor gamma (PPARγ) which aides in decreasing inflammation.