Hepatocyte growth factor mediates a novel form of hepatic stem/progenitor cell-induced tolerance in a rat xenogeneic liver rejection model

We have previously identified novel neural/glial antigen 2-expressing hepatic stem/progenitor cells (NG2⁺ HSPs) that are beneficial for tissue repair by inhibiting the immune cell response. In this in vivo study, we investigated the use of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)-secreting NG2⁺ HSPs as a tolerogen in the well-established Syrian golden hamster (SGH) to Lewis (LEW) xenogeneic rat acute liver rejection (ARJ) model. Liver and blood cells were collected for histology and functional analyses using immunofluorescence staining, western blot, ELISA, and TUNEL assays. All recipient rats were randomly divided into 5 groups (n = 14 rats/group) and treated with: (1) ARJ + PBS: (2) ARJ + NG2: tail vein injection of NG2⁺ HSPs; (3) ARJ + tacrolimus (FK506, oral administration); (4) ARJ + an anti-cMet functional blocking antibody (a-cMet-Ab, I.V) 24 h before the injection of NG2⁺ HSPs; (5) ARJ + cHGF (clinically used HGF). LEW to LEW syngeneic rats were considered "normal" (n = 14, namely Syn). Significantly prolonged mean survival times (MSTs) and improved graft functions were observed after NG2⁺ HSP transplantation. An anti-cMet Ab significantly blocked the effect of NG2⁺ HSPs, suggesting that the effects were likely associated with HGF secreted from NG2⁺ HSPs. Notably, when intravenously injected into the xenogeneic rat model, the injected cHGF not only prolonged the MST of recipient rats but also increased the number of TUNEL-expressing xenoreactive cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CD8⁺ T cells). Based on these results, HGF-secreting NG2⁺ HSPs may specifically target recipient CD8⁺ T cells by inducing their apoptosis.

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