title: CD146+ mesenchymal stem cells display greater therapeutic potential than CD146- cells for treating collagen-induced arthritis in mice.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The characteristics and therapeutic potential of subtypes of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are largely unknown. In this study, CD146(+) and CD146(-) MSCs were separated from human umbilical cords, and their effects on regulatory T cells (Tregs), Th17 cells, chondrogenesis, and osteogenesis were investigated.
  
  
  METHODS
  Flow cytometry was used to quantify IL-6 and TGF-β1 expressed on CD146(+) and CD146(-) MSCs. The therapeutic potential of both subpopulations was determined by measuring the clinical score and joint histology after intra-articular (IA) transfer of the cells into mice with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Compared with CD146(-) MSCs, CD146(+) MSCs expressed less IL-6 and had a significantly greater effect on chondrogenesis. After T lymphocyte activation, Th17 cells were activated when exposed to CD146(-) cells but not when exposed to CD146(+) cells both in vitro and in vivo. IA injection of CD146(+) MSCs attenuated the progression of CIA. Immunohistochemistry showed that only HLA-A(+) CD146(+) cells were detected in the cartilage of CIA mice. These cells may help preserve proteoglycan expression.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study suggests that CD146(+) cells have greater potency than CD146(-) cells for cartilage protection and can suppress Th17 cell activation. These data suggest a potential therapeutic application for CD146(+) cells in treating inflammatory arthritis.
authors: Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, No.161, Sec. 6, Minquan E. Rd., Neihu Dist., Taipei, 114, Taiwan, Republic of China. chengiwu@hotmail.com.|Taipei Veterans General Hospital, No.201, Sec. 2, Shipai Rd., Beitou District., Taipei, 112, Taiwan, Republic of China. chengiwu@hotmail.com.
authors: Cheng-Chi
authors: CC
authors: Wu
authors: Taipei Veterans General Hospital, No.201, Sec. 2, Shipai Rd., Beitou District., Taipei, 112, Taiwan, Republic of China. karenliu5@hotmail.com.
authors: Fei-Lan
authors: FL
authors: Liu
authors: Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, No.161, Sec. 6, Minquan E. Rd., Neihu Dist., Taipei, 114, Taiwan, Republic of China. Sytwu@ndmctsgh.edu.tw.
authors: Huey-Kang
authors: HK
authors: Sytwu
authors: Taipei Veterans General Hospital, No.201, Sec. 2, Shipai Rd., Beitou District., Taipei, 112, Taiwan, Republic of China. cytsai@vghtpe.gov.tw.
authors: Chang-Youh
authors: CY
authors: Tsai
authors: Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, No.161, Sec. 6, Minquan E. Rd., Neihu Dist., Taipei, 114, Taiwan, Republic of China. ming0503@ms3.hinet.net.|Taipei Veterans General Hospital, No.201, Sec. 2, Shipai Rd., Beitou District., Taipei, 112, Taiwan, Republic of China. ming0503@ms3.hinet.net.
authors: Deh-Ming
authors: DM
authors: Chang
mesh_terms: D001169:Arthritis, Experimental / Q000628:therapy*; D051929:CD146 Antigen / Q000378:metabolism; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D006801:Humans; D056747:Immunomodulation; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D045164:Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation; D059630:Mesenchymal Stem Cells / Q000378:metabolism*; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000276:immunology; D058504:Th17 Cells / Q000276:immunology; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D051929:CD146 Antigen; D015850:Interleukin-6; C497902:MCAM protein, human; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta