University of Adelaide researchers have discovered a way to culture stem cells which allows them to grow faster and stronger.  The research has been published in the journal Stem Cells and will help researchers use stem cells to create new stem cell therapies.

The researchers worked with adult mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which have very powerful regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties.  MSCs can be obtained from many parts of the body including bone marrow. 

One of the researchers, Kisha Sivanathan said: “These stem cells have been used for the treatment of many inflammatory diseases but we are always looking for ways in which to increase stem cells’ potency”.

The research group looked at the interaction between mesenchymal stem cells and a protein called IL-17, which naturally occurs in the body during times of severe inflammation.  They discovered that cultured mesenchymal stem cells grow twice as fast and are more efficient when IL-17 is present. 

The IL-17 treated stem cells could be particularly useful at preventing inflammation after stem cell transplant and lowering the risk of transplant rejection.  Currently stem cell transplant recipients have to take immunosuppressant drugs to help reduce the risk of rejection after a transplant.  Unfortunately these drugs suppress the whole immune system during this period.  The treated stem cells could reduce the need for rejection drugs and the related negative side effects.

The next step is to undertake clinical trials using the IL-17 treated stem cells.  It is expected that the breakthrough will help researchers develop stem cells to create new stem cell therapies

From: Supercharging Stem Cells to Create New Therapies

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