Homing Assessment of Human Placenta-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in Immunodeficient NOG Mice Following Sublethal Irradiation

Abstract

Background: Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are among the most extensively studied candidates for cell-based therapy. The homing capacity of MSCs is a critical factor influencing the efficacy of MSC-based therapies. This study aimed to investigate the homing of placenta-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (PD-MSCs) in various damaged tissues of immunodeficient Cg-PrkdcscidIl2rgtm1Sug/ShiJic (NOG) mice in response to total body irradiation (TBI). Materials and Methods: NOG mice were irradiated with 3.5 Gy. PD-MSCs were isolated, characterized, and transduced with green fluorescent protein (GFP). Twenty-four hours after irradiation, 250 × 103 GFP-PD-MSCs were injected intravenously through the tail vein in the intervention group, while the control group received phosphate-buffered saline. Peripheral blood, bone marrow, spleen, lungs, liver, intestine, and kidneys were collected at two time points (2 and 14 days postexposure). Samples were analyzed using flow cytometry, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Results: A weak band was detected in some PCR samples following GFP-PD-MSCs injection; however, the presence of these cells was not confirmed by flow cytometry or IHC. Conclusion: Intravenous infusion of GFP-PD-MSCs did not result in detectable homing to various damaged tissues in response to TBI. This suggests that the inability of these cells to home effectively may limit their therapeutic potential.