Single-cell RNA sequencing identifies M2-like macrophage polarization associated with mesenchymal stem cell treatment in a murine sepsis model.

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have demonstrated therapeutic potential in preclinical models of sepsis, primarily through their immunomodulatory functions. However, the specific mechanistic roles of MSCs in the pathophysiology of sepsis, particularly their interactions with immune cells, are not yet fully understood. In this study, we utilized a murine sepsis model induced by cecal ligation and puncture to assess the effects of adipose-derived MSCs on survival rates, systemic cytokine profiles, and immune cell dynamics. MSCs were administered via tail vein injection immediately after surgery. To investigate cell-specific transcriptional changes and associated pathway enrichment following MSC administration, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) on CD45-positive immune cells isolated six hours postoperatively. Our results indicated that MSC administration significantly improved the survival of septic mice compared to controls. The scRNA-seq analysis revealed dynamic changes in immune cell populations, including increased proportions of both M1 and M2 macrophages. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated that MSC treatment downregulated inflammatory genes such as Cd14, Cxcl2, Hmgb2, and Pde4b in M0 and M1 macrophages while upregulating regulatory and metabolic genes, including Hmox1, Maf, and Jun. In M2 macrophages, MSCs enhanced the expression of immunomodulatory genes

Evidence level

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

Browse all related research

Filter the research library by this study's title keywords, author, or publication year.