Evaluating the Effect of IL-27-Transfected Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Certain Histological and Immunological Parameters in a Mouse Model of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) by having immunomodulatory and neuroprotectivity properties could be a suitable candidate for the treatment of inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore، by genetical manipulation، it is possible to potentiate the therapeutic characteristics of these cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of IL-27-transfected MSCs in a mouse model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). MSCs were isolated from the bone marrow of C57BL/6 mice and were trnasfected with mouse IL-27 gene by using a lentiviral vector system. On days 15 and 22 post EAE induction، one million of these cells were injected to EAE-affected mice. Finally، all the mice were sacrificed; and histological and immunological assays were performed to investigate the myelin status and infiltration rate of immune cells into the central nervous system (CNS) tissues and measure certain cytokines، respectively. IL-27-transfected MSCs could ameliorate disease in the EAE-affected mice. Besides، they could diminish the infiltration rate of immune cells into the CNS، and inhibited the myelin destruction. Moreover، IL-27- transfected MSCs could enhance IL-4 and IL-10، and reduce IL-17 production from the EAE mice splenocytes. IL-27-transfected MSCs could be considered as a therapeutic tool for the treatment of inflammatory diseases including multiple sclerosis (MS). Changing dose and rout of administration، however، would be suggested to achieve better results.