Therapeutic effects of human gingiva-derived mesenchymal stromal cells on murine contact hypersensitivity via prostaglandin E(2)–EP(3) signaling

BACKGROUND: The immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory functions of human gingiva-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (GMSCs) have been demonstrated in contact hypersensitivity (CHS) models; however, their therapeutic effect during the late phase of CHS has been poor. METHODS: The murine CHS model was induced by applying oxazolone to the ears of mice. Mesenchymal stromal cells were applied via two methods (intravenous or local injection) at three time points: 1 day before sensitization, 1 day before challenge, or 1 h after challenge. Prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) and sulprostone were administered subcutaneously 1 h after challenge. RESULTS: The application of GMSCs, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, and adipose-derived stem cells all effectively suppressed CHS; however, GMSC treatment exhibited the greatest efficacy. Local injection of GMSCs led to a more marked attenuation of CHS compared with intravenous injection, especially during the late phase of CHS, and this manifested as decreased infiltration of inflammatory cells, suppression of the levels of various proinflammatory cytokines, reconstruction of the disrupted Th1/Th2 balance, and upregulation of regulatory T cells in the allergen contact areas. Pretreatment with indomethacin significantly abrogated the GMSC-mediated immunosuppressive effects, while PGE(2) application reversed the effects of indomethacin pretreatment of GMSCs. Moreover, GMSC administration promoted the expression of EP(3), a prostaglandin E receptor, and the application of sulprostone, an agonist of EP(3), significantly attenuated CHS to a similar degree as that of GMSC administration. CONCLUSIONS: GMSCs have reproducible and powerful immunomodulatory functions. Local injection of GMSCs is the superior mode for therapeutic application. PGE(2)–EP(3) signaling plays an important role in the immunomodulatory functions of GMSCs in murine CHS. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13287-016-0361-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.