Interferon‐γ–dependent inhibition of B cell activation by bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells in a murine model of systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract

Our findings indicate that BM-MSCs affect B cell receptor-dependent activation of both follicular and marginal zone B cells from lupus mice. This inhibitory effect is IFNγ-dependent and cell contact-dependent. MSCs in vivo do not affect the production of autoantibodies, the level of proteinuria, or the mortality rates. Nonetheless, the significant improvement in histologic findings in the kidney supports the potential role of MSCs in the prevention of glomerular damage.