Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Regulate Th17/Treg Cells in a Rat Model of Allergic Rhinitis by Activating IL-2/JAK-3/STAT-5 Signaling Pathway

Introduction: The aim of the study was to investigate how adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells regulate the balance between regulatory T (Treg) cells and Th17 cells through the IL-2/JAK-3/STAT-5 signaling pathway in a rat model of allergic rhinitis (AR). Methods: Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) were used to treat an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced AR rat model. The pathological changes and nasal symptoms were observed by HE staining and scanning electron microscopy. The concentrations of OVA-sIgE, IL-10, and IL-17 in serum were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA expressions of JAK-3, STAT-5, forkhead box P3 (Foxp3), and retinoic acid-associated orphan receptor γt (RORγt) in nasal mucosa were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The expression of IL-2, JAK-3, and STAT-5 proteins in nasal mucosa was detected by Western blotting, and the expression patterns of these proteins were analyzed. Results: ADSCs significantly reduced nasal symptoms and histological abnormalities by significantly reducing the levels of OVA-sIgE, IL-17 and increasing IL-10 levels. The expressions of IL-2, JAK-3, STAT-5, Foxp3, and RORγt in the nasal mucosa of AR rats were abnormal, but ADSCs treatment significantly restored this change. Conclusion: ADSC can control the development of Treg/Th17 cells by the IL-2/JAK-3/STAT-5 signaling pathway and reduce OVA-induced allergic inflammation.