Tumor necrosis factor α, and agonist and antagonists of cannabinoid receptor type 1 and type 2 alter the immunophenotype of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth

ABSTRACT

Objective

To verify the involvement of the endocannabinoid system in the immunomodulatory profile of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth, in the presence or absence of TNF-α, and agonist and antagonists of CB1 and CB2.

Methods

Stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth were cultured in the presence or absence of an agonist, anandamide, and two antagonists, AM251 and SR144528, of CB1 and CB2 receptors, with or without TNF-α stimulation. For analysis of immunomodulation, surface molecules linked to immunomodulation, namely human leukocyte antigen-DR isotype (HLA-DR), and programmed death ligands 1 (PD-L1) and 2 (PD-L2) were measured using flow cytometry.

Results

The inhibition of endocannabinoid receptors together with the proinflammatory effect of TNF-α resulted in increased HLA-DR expression in stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth, as well as, in these cells acquiring an anti-inflammatory profile by enhancing the expression of PD-L1 and PD-L2.

Conclusion

Stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth respond to the endocannabinoid system and TNF-α by altering key immune response molecules.

Endocannabinoids; Mesenchymal stem cells; Tooth, deciduous; Immunomodulation; Receptor, cannabinoid, CB1; Receptor, cannabinoid, CB2; Tumor necrosis factor-alpha

Highlights

Inhibition of endocannabinoid receptors and TNF-α led to an increase in HLA-DR, PD-L1, and PD-L2 levels in stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth.

This study shows the interaction between mesenchymal stromal cells and the immune and endocannabinoid systems.