The characterization of umbilical cord matrix stem cells in the context of multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease, causing progressive neurodegeneration in the central nervous system. In search for a cure, stem cells are considered as a therapy. Most stem cell sources are difficult to access whereas umbilical cord matrix stem cells (UCMSs) can be obtained in high numbers from the umbilical cord connective tissue without difficulty. In this project, it was evaluated whether UCMSs are suited to treat MS. Our parameters to test their suitability involve their pluripotency (OCT4, SOX2, NANOG, REX1), immunomodulatory function (HLA-G) and homing capacity (CD191, CD192, CD195, CD197, CD183, CD184). The obtained results demonstrate that UCMSs are non-pluripotent, mesenchymal stem cells that express a limited set of chemokine receptors and adhesion molecules (CD29, CD183, CD184). However, HLA-G was only expressed under certain culturing conditions. The data obtained indicate a limited migratory capacity and immunomodulatory function.