最新研究表明一类新的能够分泌GM-CSF的Th细胞亚群（Th-GM）是类风湿关节炎发病的关键原因。在前期工作中我们发现脐带间充质干细胞（MSC）移植治疗对胶原诱导的小鼠关节炎（CIA）模型及部分难治性类风湿关节炎患者均有效，但是MSC治疗类风湿关节炎的机制仍不清楚。本项目拟体外研究MSCs对Th-GM细胞的增殖、凋亡、活化、趋化因子受体表达的影响，进一步探讨MSC产生的可溶性细胞因子对Th-GM细胞信号通路的影响，阐明MSC抑制Th-GM细胞的机制。通过研究MSC输注治疗CIA模型小鼠体内对Th-GM细胞数量及功能的影响，为临床推广应用MSCs输注治疗类风湿关节炎提供理论依据。

Recent study highlight that one of the causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a subset of GM-CSF-expressing Th cells (Th-GM). Base on our previous work, we find MSC transplantation therapy is effective for collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice model and some refractory RA patients. But the mechanism of MSC having therapeutic effect in RA is still unclear. We will study the effects of MSC on Th-GM cells proliferation, apoptosis, activation and chemotactic factor receptors expression in vitro. In addition, we will find the key cytokine which plays an important role in the pathway of MSC regulating Th-GM cells and explore the mechanism of MSC suppressing Th-GM cells. The study will investigate the change of number and function of Th-GM cells in CIA mice model after MSC transplantation therapy, which provides a theoretical basis for the clinical application of MSC.