hMSCs reduces proliferation of stimulated lymphocytes in a contact-independent manner.

<p>(A–B) A significant proliferation reduction of PHA stimulated lymphocytes (CD3) (38.58±12.39%) assessed by expression of KI-67 was observed in presence of hMSCs (CD3: hMSC) (24.39±12.39%), the same was observed when absolute number KI-67 expressing cells was evaluated decreasing from (3.0×10⁵±1.3×10⁵) up to (1.7×10⁵±0.9×10⁵) (n = 8). (C) A significant proliferation reduction of DC stimulated lymphocytes (CD3: DC) (12.95±2.23%) assessed by expression of KI-67 was also observed in presence of hMSCs (CD3:DC:hMSC) (6.5±2.23%). (n = 8). (D) There was significant reduction of lymphocytes proliferation assessed by expression of KI-67, when in presence of hMSCs (CD3: hMSC) (16.18±4.99%) and with transwell (CD3:T:hMSC) (12.67±0.83%) if compared to the control (CD3) (37.67±6.63) (n = 6). (E–G) Figures showing the cells after 72 hs of culture (E) Lymphocytes without stimulation (F) Lymphocytes PHA stimulated (G) Lymphocytes PHA stimulated in co-cultures with hMSCs (H–J) Figures showing the (%) of BrdU (H) Lymphocytes without stimulation (I) Lymphocytes PHA stimulated (J) Lymphocytes PHA stimulated in co-culture with hMSCs (K) A significant proliferation reduction of PHA stimulated lymphocytes (CD3) (7.89±1.05%) assessed by BrdU incorporation was observed in presence of hMSCs (CD3:hMSC) (3.37±1.12%), (L) the same was observed when absolute number of BrdU expressing cells were evaluated in absence (0.6×10⁵±0.2×10⁵) or presence of hMSCs (0.2×10⁵±0.1×10⁵) (n = 6). Significant p-values showed in the graphic.