Therapeutic potential of BMSC-conditioned medium in an in vitro model of renal fibrosis using the RPTEC/TERT1 cell line.

We investigated the therapeutic potential of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell-conditioned medium (BMSC-CM) on immortalized renal proximal tubule epithelial cells (RPTEC/ TERT1) in a fibrotic environment. To replicate the increased stiffness characteristic of kidneys in chronic kidney disease, we utilized polyacrylamide gel platforms. A stiff matrix was shown to increase α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) levels, indicating fibrogenic activation in RPTEC/TERT1 cells. Interestingly, treatment with BMSC-CM resulted in significant reductions in the levels of fibrotic markers (α-SMA and vimentin) and increases in the levels of the epithelial marker E-cadherin and aquaporin 7, particularly under stiff conditions. Furthermore, BMSC-CM modified microRNA (miRNA) expression and reduced oxidative stress levels in these cells. Our findings suggest that BMSC-CM can modulate cellular morphology, miRNA expression, and oxidative stress in RPTEC/TERT1 cells, highlighting its therapeutic potential in fibrotic kidney disease. [BMB Reports 2024; 57(2): 116-121].

WT1 Pulsed Human CD141+ Dendritic Cell Vaccine Has High Potential in Solid Tumor-Targeted Immunotherapy.

Dendritic cells (DC) are powerful cells that play critical roles in anti-tumor immunity, and their use in cancer immunotherapy unlocks hidden capabilities as an effective therapeutic. In order to maximize the full potential of DC, we developed a DC vaccine named CellgramDC-WT1 (CDW). CDW was pulsed with WT1, an antigen commonly expressed in solid tumors, and induced with zoledronate to aid DC maturation. Although our previous study focused on using Rg3 as an inducer of DC maturation, problems with quality control and access led us to choose zoledronate as a better alternative. Furthermore, CDW secreted IL-12 and IFN-γ, which induced the differentiation of naïve T cells to active CD8+ T cells and elicited cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response against cancer cells with WT1 antigens. By confirming the identity and function of CDW, we believe CDW is an improved DC vaccine and holds promising potential in the field of cancer immunotherapy.