Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Elevate CD4 super( +)CD25 super( +)CD127 super( low/-) Regulatory T Cells of Asthmatic Patients via Heme Oxygenase-1

Up-regulation of CD4 super( +)CD25 super( )+CD127 super( low/-) regulatory T cells is a new target in the treatment of asthma. Human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells can up-regulate CD4 super( +)CD25 super( )+CD127 super( low/-) regulatory T cells in vitro, meanwhile, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) plays an important role in the development and maintenance of CD4 super( +)CD25 super( +) regulatory T cells. However the mechanism has not yet been adequately understood. Hence, the authors wondered what effect of Heme Oxygenase-1 made on regulation of CD4 super( +)CD25 super( )+CD127 super( low/-) regulatory T cells mediated by mesenchymal stem cells. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from asthmatic patients and healthy controls were co-cultured with human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells which were pretreated with Hemin, Protoporphyrin IX zinc and saline. The expression of Heme Oxygenase-1 in MSCs was enhanced by Hemin and inhibited by Protoporphyrin zinc in vitro. These data demonstrated that, Heme Oxygenase-1 contributed to the up-regulation of CD4 super( +)CD25 super( )+CD127 super( low/-) regulatory T cells mediated by mesenchymal stem cells in asthma.