The Antiviral and Immunomodulatory Potential of UCMSCs Towards Poly(I:C)-Induced Viral Infections

Abstract

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from the umbilical cord (UCMSC), bone marrow (BMMSC), and adipose tissue (ADMSC) show significant potential as regenerative medicine. Nevertheless, viral infections that can cause prolonged inflammatory responses often compromise their therapeutic effectiveness. To address this challenge, an experimental model can use the effect of polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly I:C), a synthetic analog of double-stranded RNA, often used in research as a powerful mimic of viral infection, to stimulate immune responses. Furthermore, bioinformatics tools such as Metascape and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) were used and validate that UCMSCs activate antiviral pathways, such as ISGylation and type I interferon signaling, more effectively than bone marrow-derived MSCs. Subsequently, in vitro MSC propagation through analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) provides insights into the immunomodulatory functions of MSCs in response to Poly(I:C). Following by UCMSCs' effects on immune regulation were assessed using flow cytometry to analyze reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, neutrophil apoptosis, and T-cell expression. The findings reveal that UCMSCs aid in the inflammation resolution and increase regulatory T cells (Tregs) critical for immune balance. These results suggest that UCMSCs can mitigate excessive immune responses while promoting viral clearance. Thus, this study highlights the therapeutic potential of UCMSCs in addressing viral infections and their complications. Further research is needed to validate these findings in vivo and develop clinical applications.