Granagard administration prolongs the survival of human mesenchymal stem cells transplanted into a mouse model of multiple sclerosis

• Published in: Journal of neuroimmunology Vol. 389; p. 578313
• Main Authors: Frid, Kati, Usmann, Areen, Markovits-Pachter, Tsipora, Binyamin, Orli, Petrou, Panayota, Kassis, Ibrahim, Karussis, Dimitri, Gabizon, Ruth
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 15-04-2024
• Subjects: Animals; Brain - pathology; EAE; Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental - pathology; Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental - therapy; Granagard; Humans; Immunologic Factors; Mesenchymal; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation; Mesenchymal Stem Cells - pathology; Mesenchymal Stem Cells - physiology; Mice; Multiple Sclerosis - pathology; Multiple Sclerosis - therapy; Stem Cell Transplantation; Stem cells; EAE; Granagard; MS; Stem cells; Mesenchymal
• ISSN: 0165-5728; 1872-8421; 1872-8421
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2024.578313

The clinical effect of human Mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) transplanted into EAE mice/MS patients is short lived due to poor survival of the transplanted cells. Since Granagard, a nanoformulation of pomegranate seed oil, extended the presence of Neuronal Stem cells transplanted into CJD mice brains, we tested whether this safe food supplement can also elongate the survival of hMSCs transplanted into EAE mice. Indeed, pathological studies 60 days post transplantation identified human cells only in brains of Granagard treated mice, concomitant with increased clinical activity. We conclude that Granagard may prolong the activity of stem cell transplantation in neurological diseases.
•Granagard administration to EAE induced mice may prolong the survival of transplanted human Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hMSCs).•Long survival of hMSCs in the brains of EAE mice resulted in increased beneficial clinical effect of the transplantation.•Granagard may prolong the effects of stem cell transplantation in additional neurological diseases.