Stem cell 'first aid kit' discovered

Master stem cells have the ability to develop into any type of nerve cell and are able to generate miniature ’first aid kits’ and transfer them to immune cells, according to new research published today in the journal Molecular Cell.

The research team, led by scientists from the University of Cambridge, has shown that stem cells ’communicate’ with cells by transferring molecules via fluid filled bags called vesicles, helping other cells to modify the damaging immune response around them.

“Our work highlights a surprising novel role for stem-cell-derived vesicles

Lead researcher Stefano Pluchino

This is the first time that a molecular mechanism for this process has been demonstrated. In understanding this process better, researchers claim they can identify ways of maximising the efficiency of stem-cell-based therapies.

Stefano Pluchino from the Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, who led the study, said: “These tiny vesicles in stem cells contain molecules like proteins and nucleic acids that stimulate the target cells and help them to survive.

“Essentially, they mirror how the stem cells respond to an inflammatory environment like that seen during complex neural injuries and diseases, and they pass this ability on to the target cells. We think this helps injured brain cells to repair themselves.”

Research showed that neural stem/precursor cells (NPCs) make vesicles when they are in the vicinity of an immune response, and especially in response to a small protein, or cytokine, called Interferon-g which is released by immune cells.

According to researchers, Interferon-g has the ability to regulate both the immune responses and intrinsic brain repair programmes and can alter the function of cells by regulating the activity of scores of genes.

“Our work highlights a surprising novel role for stem-cell-derived vesicles in propagating responses to the environment,” said Pluchino.

“It represents a significant advance in understanding the many levels of interaction between stem cells and the immune system, and a new molecular mechanism to explain how stem-cell therapy works.”