Establishment of Self-Renewable GM-CSF-Dependent Immature Macrophages In Vitro from Murine Bone Marrow

Macrophages play a key role in the innate immune system. Macrophages are thought to originate from hematopoietic precursors or the yolk sac. Here, we describe the in vitro establishment of self-renewable GM-CSF-dependent immature macrophages (GM-IMs) from murine bone marrow (BM). GM-IMs grow continuously in vitro in conditioned medium containing GM-CSF. The immunophenotype of GM-IMs is F4/80^high CD11b^high CD11c^low Ly6C^low. By comparing gene expression in GM-IMs and BM dendritic cells, we found that GM-IMs expressed lower levels of chemokines, cytokines and their receptors. GM-IMs are round in shape, attach loosely to non-coated culture dishes and have a marked phagocytic capacity. These results indicate that GM-IMs are macrophage precursor cells. Following stimulation with LPS, monocyte-like GM-IMs converted to flat macrophage-like cells that tightly adhered to non-coated culture dishes and produced pro-inflammatory cytokines TNFα, IL-6 and IL-1β. These results indicated that GM-IMs differentiated to M1 pro-inflammatory macrophages. This was confirmed by stimulation of GM-IMs with IFNγ, an inducer of M1 markers. GM-IMs showed enhanced expression of M2 macrophage markers such as Arg1 and Retnla following stimulation by Th2 cytokines IL-4 and IL-13. When GM-IMs were injected into mice at sites of wounding, wound repair was enhanced. These results indicate that GM-IMs can differentiate to M2 macrophages. When GM-IMs were injected into clodronate-treated mice, they induced resident macrophage proliferation by producing M-CSF. In conclusion we have established self-renewable GM-CSF-dependent immature macrophages in vitro from murine BM, which differentiate to M1 or M2 macrophages.     

Spontaneously Induced Suppressor Cells In Vitro: Nonspecific Suppression of In Vitro Antibody Formation

Nonspecific suppressor cells were induced during in vitro culture of normal mouse spleen cells (SPC) using the Marbrook culture system. The suppressor cells inhibited both the primary and secondary antibody-formation responses antigen nonspecifically in vitro, and both IgM- and IgG-responses were inhibited. The supernatants from suppressive precultured cells were not suppressive. The suppressor cells also inhibited the response of allogeneic SPC beyond H-2 compatibility. The induction of the suppressor cells did not require the presence of antigen but required fetal calf serum (FCS) or both FCS and 2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME). The suppressor cells were generated from the nylon-wool adherent, radiation-sensitive T cell population. On the other hand, the suppressor cells were nylon-wool nonadherent, relatively radiation-sensitive T cells. Actively antibody-producing cells were not affected by the suppressor cells. The suppressor cells inhibited the mitogenic responses of normal SPC to phytohemagglutinin-P (PHA), bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and concanavalin A (Con A). The suppressor cells themselves inhibited the growth of EL4 cells (T-cell leukemia of C57BL/6 mouse origin) and MOPCll cells (B cells, plasmacytoma of BALB/c mouse origin) even at a low effector-to-target cell ratio (E:T ratio = 1:1), but did not kill these tumor cells. These results indicate that the target cells of the suppressor cells are both T and B cells, and that the mechanism of action of the suppression is either inhibition of proliferation or inhibition of early events in the course of the immune response.     

Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in Murine Retrovirus-Induced AIDS Inhibit T- and B-Cell Responses In Vitro That Are Used To Define the Immunodeficiency

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) have been characterized in several disease settings, especially in many tumor systems. Compared to their involvement in tumor microenvironments, however, MDSCs have been less well studied in their responses to infectious disease processes, in particular to retroviruses that induce immunodeficiency. Here, we demonstrate for the first time the development of a highly immunosuppressive MDSC population that is dependent on infection by the LP-BM5 retrovirus, which causes murine acquired immunodeficiency. These MDSCs express a cell surface marker signature (CD11b⁺ Gr-1⁺ Ly6C⁺) characteristic of monocyte-type MDSCs. Such MDSCs profoundly inhibit immune responsiveness by a cell dose- and substantially inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)-dependent mechanism that is independent of arginase activity, PD-1–PD-L1 expression, and interleukin 10 (IL-10) production. These MDSCs display levels of immunosuppressive function in parallel with the extent of disease in LP-BM5-infected wild-type (w.t.) versus knockout mouse strains that are differentially susceptible to pathogenesis. These MDSCs suppressed not only T-cell but also B-cell responses, which are an understudied target for MDSC inhibition. The MDSC immunosuppression of B-cell responses was confirmed by the use of purified B responder cells, multiple B-cell stimuli, and independent assays measuring B-cell expansion. Retroviral load measurements indicated that the suppressive Ly6G^low/± Ly6C⁺ CD11b⁺-enriched MDSC subset was positive for LP-BM5, albeit at a significantly lower level than that of nonfractionated splenocytes from LP-BM5-infected mice. These results, including the strong direct MDSC inhibition of B-cell responsiveness, are novel for murine retrovirus-induced immunosuppression and, as this broadly suppressive function mirrors that of the LP-BM5-induced disease syndrome, support a possible pathogenic effector role for these retrovirus-induced MDSCs.     

Effect of Anti-Ia Serum In Vitro on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Proliferative Responses of Murine Bone Marrow and Spleen Cells

The in vitro proliferative response of murine bone marrow cells and spleen cells to bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and the effect of anti-Ia serum on the response were studied. The incorporation of [³H]thymidine into cells prepared from bone marrow increased in the presence of LPS, but the addition of anti-Ia serum to the cultures reduced the incorporation. Pretreatment of bone marrow cells with anti-Ia serum and complement did not abolish the ability of the cells to respond to LPS, while the same pretreatment destroyed this ability in spleen cells. These results suggest that cultures of Ia-negative bone marrow cells generate Ia-positive cells during the culture period, and the Ia-positive cells are responsive cells to LPS. The proliferative response of 1- or 2-week-old spleen cells was easily suppressed by anti-Ia serum when compared with that of 4-week-old spleen cells. Furthermore, the responses of spleen cells obtained from γ-irradiated and syngeneic bone marrow cell-reconstituted mice were prominently suppressed by anti-Ia serum in comparison with that of normal adult spleen cells. These findings suggest that LPS-responsive lymphocytes in the developmental stage are quite sensitive to anti-Ia serum. The effect of anti-Ia serum on the maturation of bone marrow-derived lymphocytes was discussed.     

Gr-1 Ab Administered after Bone Marrow Transplantation plus Thymus Transplantation Suppresses Tumor Growth by Depleting Granulocytic Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells

It has been shown that allogeneic intra-bone marrow–bone marrow transplantation (IBM-BMT) plus thymus transplantation (TT) is effective in treating recipients with malignant tumors. Although TT increases the percentage of T cells in the early term after BMT, the myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are still the dominant population. We used the Gr-1 Ab to deplete the granulocytic MDSCs (G-MDSCs) in tumor-bearing mice that had received BMT+TT. Two weeks after the BMT, the mice injected with Gr-1 Ab showed smaller tumors than those in the control group. In addition, Gr-1 Ab significantly increased the percentages and numbers of CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cells, and decreased the percentages and numbers of MDSCs and G-MDSCs. No side effects of the Gr-1 Ab on recipient or donor thymus were observed. These findings indicate that Gr-1 Ab administered after BMT+TT may enhance the effectiveness of tumor suppression.     

Insulin-Producing Cells Differentiated from Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells In Vitro Ameliorate Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Hyperglycemia

Background

The two major obstacles in the successful transplantation of islets for diabetes treatment are inadequate supply of insulin-producing tissue and immune rejection. Induction of the differentiation of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) into insulin-producing cells (IPCs) for autologous transplantation may alleviate those limitations.

Methods

hMSCs were isolated and induced to differentiate into IPCs through a three-stage differentiation protocol in a defined media with high glucose, nicotinamide, and exendin-4. The physiological characteristics and functions of IPCs were then evaluated. Next, about 3 × 10⁶ differentiated cells were transplanted into the renal sub-capsular space of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic nude mice. Graft survival and function were assessed by immunohistochemistry, TUNEL staining and measurements of blood glucose levels in the mice.

Results

The differentiated IPCs were characterized by Dithizone (DTZ) positive staining, expression of pancreatic β-cell markers, and human insulin secretion in response to glucose stimulation. Moreover, 43% of the IPCs showed L-type Ca²⁺ channel activity and similar changes in intracellular Ca²⁺ in response to glucose stimulation as that seen in pancreatic β-cells in the process of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Transplantation of functional IPCs into the renal subcapsular space of STZ-induced diabetic nude mice ameliorated the hyperglycemia. Immunofluorescence staining revealed that transplanted IPCs sustainably expressed insulin, c-peptide, and PDX-1 without apparent apoptosis in vivo.

Conclusions

IPCs derived from hMSCs in vitro can ameliorate STZ-induced diabetic hyperglycemia, which indicates that these hMSCs may be a promising approach to overcome the limitations of islet transplantation.     

大鼠骨髓源树突状细胞吞噬功能的超微结构观察

目的:利用透射电镜对体外扩增并纯化的大鼠骨髓来源树突状细胞的吞噬过程进行超微结构观察。方法:利用粘附法诱导分离大鼠骨髓细胞,延长树突状细胞的培养时间,在透射电镜下观察树突状细胞对坏死细胞碎片的吞噬过程。结果:树突状细胞识别坏死的细胞碎片后,伸出粗大突起将坏死的细胞碎片环形包裹吞噬;吞噬坏死细胞后,树突状细胞呈不规则形,细胞表面可见明显突起,消化过程中细胞内形成大量大小不等、电子密度不均一的次级溶酶体及髓鞘样膜结构。结论:树突状细胞对凋亡或坏死细胞的提呈对于保持机体内环境的稳定非常重要;利用树突状细胞的吞噬作用进行肿瘤免疫、自身免疫研究,将为树突状细胞临床治疗提供新的途径。     

Mineralization of Adult Mouse Bone Marrow In Vitro

Abstract. Murine adult bone marrow exhibits mineralizing capacity in vitro as is demonstrated by the new in vitro assay we report here. In less than 2 weeks after the onset of the cultures, mineralization is obtained in more than 80% of the marrow cultures. Moreover, morphological studies reveal that during incubation phenotypic changes related to osteogenic differentiation occur at the extracellular matrix as well within cell populations. Well banded collagen is synthesized. Matrix vesicles and needles of hydroxy-apatite crystals are observed via transmission electron microscopy. Osteoblast-like cells are present with membrane-associated alkaline phosphatase activity. the mineralization is specific for cultured bone marrow and is not observed in cultured spleen fragments as is shown via ⁸⁵Sr uptake, calcein uptake and histomorphology. No inducing agent is added to the tissue culture medium except for 10% fetal calf serum, beta-glycerophosphate (10⁻² M) and ascorbic acid. However, the prerequisite for obtaining mineralization is the three-dimensional structure of the marrow in culture. the in vitro organ culture we developed may provide the opportunity to identify which marrow cells have osteogenic potential and to investigate the mechanisms triggering differentiation towards osteogenesis.     

Stimulating Factors and Cell Recruitment In Murine Bone Marrow Stem Cells and Emt6 Tumours

The role of a stimulating factor in cell recruitment and the kinetics of its secretion were investigated by in vivo and in vitro techniques. the association of these two methods made it possible to demonstrate that a non-cycling population liberates a factor which in turn stimulates quiescent bone marrow stem cells into DNA synthesis. Moreover, it seems that undamaged cells are capable of secreting this factor. A stimulating factor responsible for cell recruitment was also demonstrated in an experimental EMT6 tumour and the kinetics of its secretion reported.     

Polysaccharide from Lentinus edodes Inhibits the Immunosuppressive Function of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells

Reversing the function of immune suppressor cells may improve the efficacy of cancer therapy. Here, we have isolated a novel polysaccharide MPSSS (577.2 Kd) from Lentinus edodes and examined its effects on differentiation and function of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). MPSSS is composed of glucose (75.0%), galactose (11.7%), mannose (7.8%), and xylose (0.4%). In vivo, it inhibits the growth of McgR32 tumor cells, which is correlated with a reduced percentage of MDSCs in peripheral blood. In vitro, it induces both morphological and biophysical changes in MDSCs. Importantly, MPSSS up-regulates MHC II and F4/80 expression on MDSCs, and reverses their inhibition effect on CD4⁺ T cells in a dose-dependent manner. The mechanism study shows that MPSSS may stimulate MDSCs through a MyD88 dependent NF-κB signaling pathway. Together, we demonstrated for the first time that MPSSS stimulates the differentiation of MDSCs and reverses its immunosuppressive functions, shedding new light on developing novel anti-cancer strategies by targeting MDSCs.     

人骨髓基质细胞体外分离及定向培养内皮细胞

用Ficoll(比重1.077 g/ml)从正常成人骨髓中分离骨髓基质细胞(BMSCs),DMEM-HG 培养基内含20?S、GM-CSF(100 u/ml)、VEGF(10 ng/ml)、FGF(5 ng/ml)、L-谷氨酰胺(2mmol/ L)、肝素(90 u/ml),以及抗生素液进行定向培养和扩增其中的内皮细胞(ECs),Ⅷ因子相关抗原的免疫组化法和透射电镜观察(TEM)鉴定其细胞的性质。结果5.0×105个BMSCs在体外经定向ECs 培养和扩增8代后,获得了6.0×109个ECs,扩增了约1.2×104倍。70%-80%的细胞对Ⅷ因子相关抗原免疫组化呈阳性反应;光镜下细胞呈典型的“鹅卵石”样;TEM下可观察到胞浆内有Weible- palade小体,证实为内皮细胞。实验表明,BMSCs在体外分离和定向培养的ECs,经扩增后可能是心血管组织工程所需种子细胞的又一个重要来源。     

Resistance to Streptozotocin-Induced Autoimmune Diabetes in Absence of Complement C3: Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells Play a Role

The contribution of complement to the development of autoimmune diabetes has been proposed recently. The underlying mechanisms, however, remain poorly understood. We hypothesize that myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), which act as regulators in autoimmunity, play a role in resistance to diabetes in absence of complement C3. Indeed, MDSC number was increased significantly in STZ-treated C3−/− mice. These cells highly expressed arginase I and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Importantly, depletion of MDSC led to the occurrence of overt diabetes in C3−/− mice after STZ. Furthermore, C3−/− MDSC actively suppressed diabetogenic T cell proliferation and prevented/delayed the development of diabetes in arginase and/or iNOS-dependent manner. Both Tregs and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) are crucial for MDSC induction in STZ-treated C3−/− mice as depletion of Tregs or blocking TGF-β bioactivity dramatically decreased MDSC number. These findings indicate that MDSC are implicated in resistance to STZ-induced diabetes in the absence of complement C3, which may be helpful for understanding of mechanisms underlying preventive effects of complement deficiency on autoimmune diseases.     

Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived from Adipose Tissue vs Bone Marrow: In Vitro Comparison of Their Tropism towards Gliomas

Introduction

Glioblastoma is the most common primary malignant brain tumor, and is refractory to surgical resection, radiation, and chemotherapy. Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) may be harvested from bone marrow (BMSC) and adipose (AMSC) tissue. These cells are a promising avenue of investigation for the delivery of adjuvant therapies. Despite extensive research into putative mechanisms for the tumor tropism of MSCs, there remains no direct comparison of the efficacy and specificity of AMSC and BMSC tropism towards glioma.

Methods

Under an IRB-approved protocol, intraoperative human Adipose MSCs (hAMSCs) were established and characterized for cell surface markers of mesenchymal stem cell origin in conjunction with the potential for tri-lineage differentiation (adipogenic, chondrogenic, and osteogenic). Validated experimental hAMSCs were compared to commercially derived hBMSCs (Lonza) and hAMSCs (Invitrogen) for growth responsiveness and glioma tropism in response to glioma conditioned media obtained from primary glioma neurosphere cultures.

Results

Commercial and primary culture AMSCs and commercial BMSCs demonstrated no statistically significant difference in their migration towards glioma conditioned media in vitro. There was statistically significant difference in the proliferation rate of both commercial AMSCs and BMSCs as compared to primary culture AMSCs, suggesting primary cultures have a slower growth rate than commercially available cell lines.

Conclusions

Adipose- and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells have similar in vitro glioma tropism. Given the well-documented ability to harvest larger numbers of AMSCs under local anesthesia, adipose tissue may provide a more efficient source of MSCs for research and clinical applications, while minimizing patient morbidity during cell harvesting.     

Characterization of Liver Monocytic Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells and Their Role in a Murine Model of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are potent suppressors of T cell immunity in tumors and inflammatory diseases. They are identified by surface expression of CD11b⁺Gr1⁺ in mice, and CD11b⁺Gr1⁺ cells accumulate in the livers of obese mice. However, many myeloid cells share these CD11b⁺Gr1⁺ markers. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to identify the authentic phenotype of MDSCs and investigate their functions in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). C57BL/6J mice were divided into 2 diet groups: a normal control group and high-fat group to induce NAFLD. We demonstrated that monocytic CD11b⁺Gr1^dim cells could be further divided into 2 populations based on side scatter (SSC) during flow cytometry. We found that SSC^lowCD11b⁺Gr1^dim cells accumulated in the livers of NAFLD mice over time, and that these cells were recruited by the chemokine CCL2 and its receptor CCR2 and might expand in the liver via macrophage colony-stimulating factor stimulation. Furthermore, SSC^lowCD11b⁺Gr1^dim cells had a strong suppressive ability on T cells; this effect was not observed for SSC^highCD11b⁺Gr1^dim cells, and was dependent on nitric oxide production by inducible nitric oxide synthase. Our findings demonstrate that SSC^lowCD11b⁺Gr1^dim cells represent authentic MDSCs in NAFLD livers, and might serve an important negative feedback function in liver inflammation.     

Myogenic Potential of Whole Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells In Vitro and In Vivo for Usage in Urinary Incontinence

Urinary incontinence, defined as the complaint of any involuntary loss of urine, is a pathological condition, which affects 30% females and 15% males over 60, often following a progressive decrease of rhabdosphincter cells due to increasing age or secondary to damage to the pelvic floor musculature, connective tissue and/or nerves. Recently, stem cell therapy has been proposed as a source for cell replacement and for trophic support to the sphincter. To develop new therapeutic strategies for urinary incontinence, we studied the interaction between mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and muscle cells in vitro; thereafter, aiming at a clinical usage, we analyzed the supporting role of MSCs for muscle cells in vitro and in in vivo xenotransplantation. MSCs can express markers of the myogenic cell lineages and give rise, under specific cell culture conditions, to myotube-like structures. Nevertheless, we failed to obtain mixed myotubes both in vitro and in vivo. For in vivo transplantation, we tested a new protocol to collect human MSCs from whole bone marrow, to get larger numbers of cells. MSCs, when transplanted into the pelvic muscles close to the external urethral sphincter, survived for a long time in absence of immunosuppression, and migrated into the muscle among fibers, and towards neuromuscular endplates. Moreover, they showed low levels of cycling cells, and did not infiltrate blood vessels. We never observed formation of cell masses suggestive of tumorigenesis. Those which remained close to the injection site showed an immature phenotype, whereas those in the muscle had more elongated morphologies. Therefore, MSCs are safe and can be easily transplanted without risk of side effects in the pelvic muscles. Further studies are needed to elucidate their integration into muscle fibers, and to promote their muscular transdifferentiation either before or after transplantation.     

骨髓间充质干细胞体外趋化神经前体细胞的机制

骨髓间充质干细胞(BMSC)和神经前体细胞(NPC)移植于脑组织损伤动物的实验证明这两类细胞移植后均能在体内迁徙,与周围细胞整合,促进神经功能修复。BMSC促进神经功能修复的机制之一被认为与其分泌一些细胞因子和趋化因子有关,但具体机制不十分明确。为从基质细胞衍生因子-1α(SDF-1α)及其唯一的受体CXCR4这对分子相互作用的机制上探讨BMSC移植的可能治疗作用,实验采用ELISA法检测了体外培养的BMSC上清液中SDF-1α的含量,体外微孔隔离室迁移实验发现NPC能在BMSC分泌的培养上清液中SDF-1α的作用下发生定向迁移,特异性抗CXCR4单抗能有效阻断NPC的定向迁移效应,证实了BMSC分泌的SDF-1α促进表达CXCR4的NPC向病灶处迁移可能是促进神经功能修复的机制之一,从而为干细胞移植治疗神经功能缺损提供了一个新的思路。     

DNA Transfection of Bone Marrow Stromal Cells Using Microbubble-Mediated Ultrasound and Polyethylenimine: An In Vitro Study

Non-viral vector transfection efficiency is an issue affecting the clinical application of stem cell gene therapy. This study makes use of the synergistic effect of combining ultrasound (US) with microbubbles (MB) and polyethylenimine (PEI) to increase DNA transfection efficiency, which will enhance the efficiency of gene transfer to bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs). The optimal parameters for primary-cultured rat-BMSC DNA transfection were examined. The study was arranged based on uniform design. Using a construct containing hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) tagged with enhanced green fluorescent protein (pEGFP-HGF) as example, the mixture of BMSCs, MB, and PEI:DNA complex were exposed to US with frequency of 1 MHz and 10 % duty cycle pulses. Other factors such as acoustic intensity (Q), MB dosage, and total treatment time (T) were also tested. The results were analyzed by regression analysis. Using the best match of parameters, Q = 0.6 W/cm², MB = 10⁶/ml, T = 30 s, different groups were compared. The cooperativity of MB-mediated US and PEI enhanced the gene transfection efficiency by nearly 38-times compared to the DNA without US group. Furthermore, the expression of HGF protein was confirmed by Western blot. The eGFP could be not only seen mainly at the cytoplasm, but also seen in the nucleus in a small proportion of the cells (<10 %) for up to 7 observed days. The transfected BMSCs maintained their capability of multi-directional differentiation and reproductive activity. Our results provide useful information in establishing a novel non-viral transfection method, which may be applied to clinical application in stem cell gene therapy.     

三种小鼠骨髓细胞辐射抗性的比较

目的对IRM-2、ICR及615小鼠骨髓细胞体外照射后细胞损伤进行比较研究,探讨IRM-2小鼠的抗辐射损伤机制。方法用常规法进行外周血白细胞和骨髓有核细胞计数;应用化学发光法检测不同剂量γ射线对小鼠骨髓细胞活力的影响;用PA法（FITC-Annexin V和PI标记法）检测骨髓细胞凋亡。结果IRM-2小鼠骨髓细胞和外周血白细胞计数高于ICR、615小鼠,经统计学处理后差异有显著性（P〈0.01）。经1 Gy、4 Gy照射后6 h,IRM-2、ICR、615小鼠骨髓细胞相对活力分别为86.6%和79.3%,77.5%和70.4%,77.4%和68.7%,IRM-2小鼠与ICR、615小鼠比较,细胞活力有所提高,IRM-2小鼠骨髓造血细胞死亡率及凋亡率低于ICR及615小鼠。结论IRM-2小鼠有较强的免疫及造血功能,骨髓造血细胞凋亡率低于ICR及615小鼠,其抗辐射机制仍需进一步研究。     

Inhibition of Autoimmune Chagas-Like Heart Disease by Bone Marrow Transplantation

Background

Infection with the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi manifests in mammals as Chagas heart disease. The treatment available for chagasic cardiomyopathy is unsatisfactory.

Methods/Principal Findings

To study the disease pathology and its inhibition, we employed a syngeneic chicken model refractory to T. cruzi in which chickens hatched from T. cruzi inoculated eggs retained parasite kDNA (1.4 kb) minicircles. Southern blotting with EcoRI genomic DNA digests revealed main 18 and 20 kb bands by hybridization with a radiolabeled minicircle sequence. Breeding these chickens generated kDNA-mutated F1, F2, and F3 progeny. A targeted-primer TAIL-PCR (tpTAIL-PCR) technique was employed to detect the kDNA integrations. Histocompatible reporter heart grafts were used to detect ongoing inflammatory cardiomyopathy in kDNA-mutated chickens. Fluorochromes were used to label bone marrow CD3⁺, CD28⁺, and CD45⁺ precursors of the thymus-dependent CD8α⁺ and CD8β⁺ effector cells that expressed TCRγδ, vβ1 and vβ2 receptors, which infiltrated the adult hearts and the reporter heart grafts.

Conclusions/Significance

Genome modifications in kDNA-mutated chickens can be associated with disruption of immune tolerance to compatible heart grafts and with rejection of the adult host''s heart and reporter graft, as well as tissue destruction by effector lymphocytes. Autoimmune heart rejection was largely observed in chickens with kDNA mutations in retrotransposons and in coding genes with roles in cell structure, metabolism, growth, and differentiation. Moreover, killing the sick kDNA-mutated bone marrow cells with cytostatic and anti-folate drugs and transplanting healthy marrow cells inhibited heart rejection. We report here for the first time that healthy bone marrow cells inhibited heart pathology in kDNA⁺ chickens and thus prevented the genetically driven clinical manifestations of the disease.