RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have immunomodulatory and therapeutic effects on immune system diseases. This study intends to assess the regulatory effect of BMSC targeted therapy on the IL-17+ γδ T cells and Treg cells in allergic rhinitis (AR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: BALB/c mice were sensitized by ovalbumin (OVA), while BMSCs were injected intravenously before sensitization and followed by an analysis of nasal symptoms, inflammation, cytokines, and immunoglobulins. BMSCs were co-cultured with peripheral blood mononuclear cells for 3 days to test Foxp3+ expression, IL-17+ γδ T and Foxp3+Treg cell ratio, and cytokines secretion. RESULTS: After intranasal administration of BMSCs, nasal symptoms and inflammatory infiltration in mice were significantly alleviated, accompanied by reduced OVA-specific IgE in serum. BMSCs significantly inhibited the activity of T lymphocytes, increased TGF-ß1 level, decreased IL-17A level, promoted Treg proliferation, and suppressed the proliferation of IL-17+ γδ T cells. CONCLUSIONS: BMSC targeted therapy can be used to treat AR by regulating Treg cells to correct IL-17+γδ T cell immune imbalance and is expected to be an effective treatment method for AR.