Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UMLS:C0033036 (APC)
 10,214 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are mostly found around the vasculature system of the adult bone marrow (BM). They function as immune suppressors, express MHC-II, are phagocytic, and support T-cell cytotoxicity. We hypothesize that these contradictory properties of MSCs are important for BM homeostasis and occur partly through antigen presentation (antigen-presenting cells [APCs]) within a narrow window. Indeed, we have verified APC functions of MSCs to recall antigens, Candida albicans and Tetanus toxoid. The target cells have been identified to be CD4(+) T cells. APC assays with IFNgamma-knockdown MSCs and with anti-IFNgamma receptor confirmed that MHC-II expression requires autocrine stimulation by IFNgamma. During APC functions, as IFNgamma levels become elevated, there was a concomitant decrease in MHC-II on MSCs. This observation was correlated with flow cytometry studies showing a gradual decrease in MHC-II expression as IFNgamma levels were increased. The reduced levels of MHC-II correlated with losses in their allogeneic potential, as indicated in mixed lymphocyte reaction. In summary, endogenous and low levels of IFNgamma are required for MHC-II expression on MSCs, and for APC functions. APC functions occur during a narrow window before IFNgamma levels are increased. The study has implications for BM protection against infection and exacerbated inflammatory responses.
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PMID:Antigen-presenting property of mesenchymal stem cells occurs during a narrow window at low levels of interferon-gamma. 1649