The use of fetal bovine serum (FBS) for the culture and expansion of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) limits their possible clinical applications. Although some recent studies recommended substituting FBS with human platelet lysate (HPL) for the expansion of MSCs for clinical use, the functional capacity of the expanded cells has only been partially explored. 10% FBS and two other commercial FBS-containing media (MesenCult and MesenPro) were compared with 10% HPL-containing medium for their ability to support MSCs expansion and immunomodulation. We demonstrate that HPL sustained MSC proliferation and expansion in vitro. However, the cumulative cell numbers recovered were comparable with those obtained in MesenPro medium. Moreover, we show that HPL alters the expression of some relevant MSC surface molecules, namely the DNAM-1 ligands PVR and Nectin-2, the NKG2D ligand ULBP3, the adhesion molecules CD49d and avb3 and the fibroblast-associated protein. In addition, MSCs cultured in HPL displayed impaired inhibitory capacity on T-cell proliferation to alloantigen and NK-cell proliferation and cytotoxicity. Finally, they showed decreased constitutive PGE2 production while IL-6, IL-8 and RANTES secretion were upregulated. These results imply some limitations in the use of HPL for the expansion of MSCs to be used as immunomodulators in clinical applications.Key words: Graft-versus-host disease . Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation . Human platelet lysate . Mesenchymal stromal cells . NK cells
IntroductionHuman mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have attracted major attention for their possible clinical use [1]. In addition to their tissue regenerative capacity, they have immune-modulatory properties for which they are used in the prophylaxis and treatment of GVH disease (GVHD) [2]. MSCs have been shown to prevent graft failure and to promote engraftment in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) [1,2]. The expansion of MSCs for their clinical use has been done under different culture conditions, most of which were based on the addition of fetal bovine serum (FBS) as a supplement for different media [3]. Under these culture conditions, anti-FBS antibodies have been detected in most patients infused with MSCs cultured in the presence of FBS [4]. The identification of suitable culture conditions for optimal expansion and appropriate functional capability of MSCs still remains a crucial matter [5].The recent interest in obtaining high numbers of MSCs for clinical use has led to the development of therapeutic protocols based on the non-transfusional use of hemocomponents such as Little is known about the effect of HPL-conditioned media on the functional properties of MSCs and hence on their efficacy in clinical application. Notably, HPL contains numerous bioactive molecules stored within the platelet organelles including adhesion molecules, coagulation factors, protease inhibitors and proteoglycans [8], as well as growth factors. These include platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), basic fibroblast-derived growth ...