Effect of efferocytosis of apoptotic mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on C57BL/6 peritoneal macrophages function

Phagocytic clearance of apoptotic cells (Efferocytosis) could affect the polarization of macrophages and promote M2 anti-inflammatory and regulatory phenotype and function. Here we tested the hypothesis that efferocytosis of apoptotic Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (AD-MSCs) promotes macrophage M2 polarization. In this study, Macrophages were incubated with apoptotic MSCs and after 48 h interleukin-10 (IL-10), transforming growth factor-alpha (TNF alpha), and nitric oxide (NO) production were measured. Furthermore, phagocytosis ability and arginase activity were analyzed. The results showed that apoptotic MSCs could reduce TNFa and NO production, and increase IL-10 levels. Moreover, arginase activity and phagocytosis ability were also increased in tested macrophages compared to controls. In Conclusion efferocytosis of AD-MSCs can alter the macrophages phenotype toward regulatory and anti-inflammatory phenotype.