Adenosine production in mesenchymal stromal cells in relation to their developmental status

Background Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) are multipotent progenitor cells found in the tumor microenvironment. They have an innate and regulatory immune activity, and they are able to produce immunosuppressive adenosine (ADO) via their ectonucleotidases CD39 and CD73. The present study explores ADO metabolism of MSC in relation to their developmental status. Methods We analyzed MSC (n= 6), chondrogenic progenitor cells (CPC, n= 8), and chondrocytes (n= 8) for surface markers by flow cytometry. The ability to hydrolyze ATP and to produce ADO was tested by luminescence assays and mass spectrometry. Results Significant differences in the surface marker expression of MSC, CPC, and chondrocytes were seen. While the expression of CD73 was observed to be the same on all cell types, the expression of the ectonucleotidase CD39 was significantly increased on MSC. Consequently, production of ADO was most abundant in MSC as compared with chondrocytes and CPC. Conclusion Mesenchymal stromal cells are potent producers of ADO and are, therefore, able to increase immunosuppression. As MSC differentiate into chondrocytes, they lose this ability and may take on other functions.