Renal fibrosis is a common pathological process that occurs in various kidney diseases, leading to the progressive loss of kidney function. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a crucial role in maintaining immune homeostasis and preventing excessive inflammation and tissue damage. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been shown to have immunomodulatory properties and can induce Tregs, making them a promising therapeutic option for renal fibrosis.
A recent study published in Scientific Reports has shed light on a novel approach to enhance Treg induction by using interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) pretreated MSCs. IFN-γ is a cytokine that can enhance the immunosuppressive properties of MSCs and promote their ability to induce Tregs. In this study, researchers investigated whether IFN-γ pretreatment of MSCs could improve their therapeutic potential in attenuating renal fibrosis.
The study utilized a mouse model of renal fibrosis induced by unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). MSCs were isolated from bone marrow and pretreated with IFN-γ before being injected into the mice. The results showed that IFN-γ pretreated MSCs were more effective in reducing renal fibrosis compared to untreated MSCs. This was associated with an increase in Treg induction and a decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokine production in the kidney tissue.
Furthermore, the researchers found that the enhanced therapeutic effect of IFN-γ pretreated MSCs was mediated by the upregulation of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), an enzyme involved in immune regulation. IDO expression was increased in the kidneys of mice treated with IFN-γ pretreated MSCs, suggesting that IDO may play a role in mediating the immunomodulatory effects of MSCs in renal fibrosis.
Overall, this study highlights the potential of using IFN-γ pretreated MSCs as a novel therapeutic approach for attenuating renal fibrosis. By enhancing Treg induction and promoting immune regulation, IFN-γ pretreated MSCs may offer a promising strategy for treating kidney diseases characterized by fibrosis. Further research is needed to validate these findings in clinical settings and explore the mechanisms underlying the immunomodulatory effects of IFN-γ pretreated MSCs.