Tissue-Specific Progenitor and Stem Cells Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Donor Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Exhibit Comparable Potency to Healthy Controls In Vitro

Bonemarrowmesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSCs) have been characterized and used inmany clinical studies basedon their immunomodulatory and regenerative properties.Wehave recently reported the benefit of autologousMSC systemic therapy in the treatment of type 1 diabetesmellitus (T1D). Compared with allogeneic cells, use of autologous products reduces the risk of eliciting undesired complications in the recipient, including rejection, immunization, and transmission of viruses and prions; however, comparable potency of autologous cells is required for this treatment approach to remain feasible. To date, no analysis has been reported that phenotypically and functionally characterizesMSCs derived fromnewly diagnosed and late-stage T1D donors in vitrowith respect to their suitability for systemic immunotherapy. In this study, we used gene array in combination with functional in vitro assays to address these questions. MSCs from T1D donors and healthy controls were expanded from BM aspirates. BMmononuclear cell counts and growth kinetics were comparable between the groups, with equivalent colony-forming unit-fibroblast capacity. Gene microarrays demonstrated differential gene expression between healthy and late-stage T1D donors in relation to cytokine secretion, immunomodulatoryactivity, andwoundhealingpotential.Despite transcriptional differences, T1D MSCs did not demonstrate a significant difference from healthy controls in immunosuppressive activity, migratory capacity, or hemocompatibility.We conclude that despite differential gene expression, expandedMSCs from T1D donors are phenotypically and functionally similar to healthy control MSCs with regard to their immunomodulatory and migratory potential, indicating their suitability for use in autologous systemic therapy. STEM CELLS TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2016;5:1–11