Characteristics of immune status in patients after liver transplantation with mesenchymal stem cell therapy

The aim of the study was evaluation of the characteristics of the immunophenotype of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in patients after liver transplantation with systemic mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) therapy. A randomized prospective study was conducted involving 30 recipients. Patients in the MSC group (n = 15) received standard immunosuppressive therapy in combination with systemic application of MSCs, and patients in the control group (n = 15) received only standard immunosuppression. The analysis of the immunophenotype of peripheral blood mononuclear cells was performed by flow cytometry with assessment of the main populations and subpopulations of lymphocytes and dendritic cells. The application of MSCs resulted in an immunotolerant phenotype, characterized by an increase in the level of regulatory T cells and B1a lymphocytes, a decrease in the number of effector CD4+ memory T cells and B lymphocytes, as well as a modulation of dendritic cells activity. The MSC group demonstrated a lower incidence of acute rejection (20 % compared to 33 %), lower expression of MMP10 in the graft, accelerated recovery of liver function, and the ability to reduce the dose of Tacrolimus without the risk of rejection. These results indicate the potential of MSCs to serve as an additional method of immunosuppression in liver transplantation