Therapeutic efficacy of multipotent adult progenitor cells versus mesenchymal stem cells in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Abstract

Aim: In this study, we have evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of mouse multipotent adult progenitor cells (mMAPCs) in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of multiple sclerosis, and compared it with mouse mesenchymal stem cells (mMSCs). Materials & methods: We administered PKH26-labeled mMAPC and mMSC into EAE mice and evaluated their therapeutic efficacy. Results: The mMAPC-treated mice in comparison with the mMSC group exhibited a higher suppression of EAE (p < 0.05), and a higher fold expression of neuronal genes GAP43, NG2, PDGFR, Nestin, SMI 32, BDNF and NT 3 in spinal cord (p < 0.05), suggesting a better neuroprotective and regenerative potential of mMAPC than mMSC. Conclusion: MAPC may be a potential cell type, which is superior to mesenchymal stem cell for the treatment of EAE/multiple sclerosis.