Macrophages type 2 as candidates for the treatment of lung injuries

Shahriary, Alireza; Eslami Mahmoudabadi, Mostafa; Nikkhah, Alireza

doi:10.30491/ijtmgh.2025.527814.1490

Macrophages type 2 as candidates for the treatment of lung injuries

Document Type : Policy Briefs

Authors

Alireza Shahriary ¹

Mostafa Eslami Mahmoudabadi ²

Alireza Nikkhah ²

¹ Chemical Injuries Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

² Student Research Committee, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

10.30491/ijtmgh.2025.527814.1490

Abstract

Sulfur mustard (SM) is a toxic chemical warfare agent that causes severe and persistent pulmonary damage, for which no specific treatment exists. Emerging evidence suggests that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) exert anti-inflammatory effects through paracrine signaling. This study evaluated the therapeutic potential of monocytes treated with MSC-derived supernatant in a murine model of SM-induced lung inflammation using CEES as a surrogate. Monocytes treated with MSC supernatant showed significant immunomodulatory effects, including reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-12), increased anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10, TGF-β), and decreased oxidative stress markers (NO, MPO). Histopathological analysis revealed reduced inflammation, mucus accumulation, and tissue remodeling in treated animals. These findings suggest that MSC supernatant-treated monocytes may offer a novel therapeutic strategy for chemical-induced lung injury, warranting further investigation into their mechanisms and efficacy in more complex models.

Keywords

Mustard Gas

Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Monocyte Therapy