Stem Cell-Based Immunomodulation After Stroke: Effects on Brain Repair Processes

Marieke C S Boshuizen, Gary K Steinberg, Marieke C S Boshuizen, Gary K Steinberg

No abstract available

Keywords: brain; immunomodulation; inflammation; stem cells; stroke.

Figures

Figure 1.. Stem cell-based immunomodulation of non-inflammatory repair processes after stroke.

a, SC-induced immunomodulation of angiogenesis is mediated by anti-inflammatory actions; they induce M2 microglia/macrophages with strong angiogenic potential via secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors, and by inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Increased VEGF expression and secretion acts either directly on endothelial cells for induction of angiogenesis, or indirectly through anti-inflammatory actions. b, SC-induced immunomodulation of brain plasticity is mediated by decreased M1 microglia activity, thereby decreasing inflammatory cytokine production and subsequently inducing brain plasticity. Decreased inflammatory expression results in less AMPA receptor surface expression, enhancing brain plasticity. Astrocyte-microglia interactions can increase synapse pruning, and complement activation may also affect plasticity. c, The anti-inflammatory actions of transplanted SCs decrease cell death receptor expression, inhibit the caspase cascade and decrease excitotoxicity, all decreasing brain cell death. Grey arrows indicate possible connections. ROS: reactive oxygen species; act.: activity.