Amplification of functional myeloid-derived suppressor cells during stem cell mobilization induced by granulocyte colony-stimulation-factor.

The effects of granulocyte colony-stimulation-factor (G-CSF) on stem cell mobilization and its impact on the amplification of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) of donor mice were examined. A mouse model of stem cell mobilization was established by consecutive subcutaneous injection of 100 μg/kg G-CSF for 5 days. The blood from the donor mice was routinely examined during mobilization. Stem cells and MDSCs were analyzed by flow cytometry. The immunosuppressive molecules derived from MDSCs in serum and spleen, including hydrogen dioxide (H2O2) and nitric oxide (NO), and the activity of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) were determined during the mobilization. Apoptosis of T lymphocytes was assessed by using Annexin-V/PI. During stem cell mobilization, the number of lymphocytes and white blood cells in the peripheral blood was increased, and peaked on the 4th day. The number of stem cells in G-CSF-treated mice was significantly greater than that in controls (P<0.01). The expansions of MSDCs were also observed after G-CSF mobilization, with a more notable rate of growth in the peripheral blood than in the spleen. The activity of NOS and the production of NO were increased in the donor mice, and the serum H2O2 levels were approximately 4-fold greater than the controls. Consequently, apoptosis of T lymphocytes was increased and showed a positive correlation with the elevated percentage of MDSCs. It was concluded that G-CSF could provide sufficient peripheral blood stem cells for transplantation. Exogenous administration of G-CSF caused the accumulation of MDSCs in the peripheral blood and the spleen, which could lead to apoptosis of T lymphocytes and may offer a new strategy for the prevention and treatment of graft versus host disease.