In vitro analyses of the immunosuppressive properties of neural stem/progenitor cells using anti-CD3/CD28-activated T cells.

Neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) are multi-potent cells defined by their ability to self-renew and differentiate into cells of glial and neuronal lineage. Because of these properties, NSPCs have been proposed as therapeutic tools to replace lost neurons. Recent observations in animal models of immune-related diseases indicate that NSPCs display immunomodulatory properties that might be a great interest for cell therapy. In particular, transplantation of NSPCs might be very useful as local immunosuppressive agent to promote the long-term survival of neuronal xenotransplant in the brain. To study this possibility, we have analysed the impact of NSPCs on anti-CD3/CD28-activated T cells. In vitro analyses clearly show that porcine, rat, and mouse NSPCs inhibit the proliferation of activated T cells. This result raises new perspectives concerning the use of NSPCs in cell therapy.