Comparison of the immunomodulatory capacities of multipotent adult progenitor cells (MAPC) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) in graft-versus-host disease (GVHD).

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) is currently being used as a therapy for blood cancers, non-malignant bone marrow disorders and even some solid tumors. Unfortunately, therapeutic success is often hampered by graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), a side effect that is caused by the donor bone marrow and involves inflammation in skin, liver and digestive tract. In recent years different cell types have been described as possible candidates for adoptive cell therapy to prevent GVHD: mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), multipotent adult progenitor cells (MAPC) and more recently Multistem®, the clinical grade large-scale expanded counterparts of MAPC. The aim of the current research is to validate the applicability of Multistem®, for prevention and treatment of GVHD. Therefore we will evaluate if and how Multistem® influences the functionality of various immune cells and whether the stem cells can remain present in an inflammatory environment, long enough to suppress the inflammation. In these experiments, Multistem® will be compared to MAPC and MSC regarding their immunosuppressive capacities. To allow an optimal and widespread clinical application, we aim to establish a unit that quantifies the immunosuppressive capacity of Multistem®.

Keywords:Immunomodulatory capacity, Multistem, Mesenchymal stem cells, Multipotent adult progenitor cells, Graft-versus-host disease, Stem cell transplantation

Disciplines:Immunology, Systems biology, Hematology, Laboratory medicine