CD74 is a regulator of hematopoietic stem cell maintenance

Shirly Becker-Herman, Milena Rozenberg, Carmit Hillel-Karniel, Naama Gil-Yarom, Mattias Kramer, Avital Barak, Lital Sever, Keren David, Lihi Radomir, Hadas Lewinsky, Michal Levi, Richard Bucala, Amnon Peled, Idit Shachar, Gilgi Friedlander

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) are a small population of undifferentiated cells that have the capacity for self-renewal and differentiate into all blood cell lineages. These cells are the most useful cells for clinical transplantations and for regenerative medicine. So far, it has not been possible to expand adult hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) without losing their self-renewal properties. CD74 is a cell surface receptor for the cytokine macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), and its mRNA is known to be expressed in HSCs. Here, we demonstrate that mice lacking CD74 exhibit an accumulation of HSCs in the bone marrow (BM) due to their increased potential to repopulate and compete for BM niches. Our results suggest that CD74 regulates the maintenance of the HSCs and CD18 expression. Its absence leads to induced survival of these cells and accumulation of quiescent and proliferating cells. Furthermore, in in vitro experiments, blocking of CD74 elevated the numbers of HSPCs. Thus, we suggest that blocking CD74 could lead to improved clinical insight into BM transplant protocols, enabling improved engraftment.
Original languageEnglish
Article number3001121
Number of pages24
JournalPLoS Biology
Volume19
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 4 Mar 2021

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Immunology and Microbiology
  • General Biochemistry,Genetics and Molecular Biology
  • General Neuroscience
  • General Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'CD74 is a regulator of hematopoietic stem cell maintenance'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this