Initial WNT/β-Catenin or BMP Activation Modulates Inflammatory Response of Mesodermal Progenitors Derived from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Wound healing in adults largely depends on the functional state of multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). Human fetal tissues at the early stages of development are known to heal quickly with a full-quality restoration of the original structure. The differences in the molecular mechanisms that determine the functional activity of mesodermal cells in fetuses and adults remain virtually unknown. Using two independent human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines, we examined the effects of the initial WNT and BMP activation on the differentiation of iPSCs via mesodermal progenitors into MSCs and highlighted the functions of these cells that are altered by the proinflammatory microenvironment. The WNT-induced mesoderm commitment of the iPSCs enhanced the expression of paraxial mesoderm (PM)-specific markers, while the BMP4-primed iPSCs exhibited increased levels of lateral mesoderm (LM)-specific genes. The inflammatory status and migration rate of the isogenic iPSC-derived mesoderm cells were assessed via gene expression analysis and scratch assay under the receptor-dependent activation of the proinflammatory IFN-γ or TNF-α signaling pathway. Reduced <i>IDO1</i> and <i>ICAM1</i> expression levels were detected in the WNT- and BMP-induced MSC progenitors compared to the isogenic MSCs in response to stimulation with IFN-γ and TNF-α. The WNT- and BMP-induced MSC progenitors exhibited a higher migration rate than isogenic MSCs upon IFN-γ exposure. The established isogenic cellular model will provide new opportunities to elucidate the mechanisms of regeneration and novel therapeutics for wound healing.