In this study, we evaluated the biological properties of human mesenchymal stem cells transfected (hMSC) with a plasmid vector expressing human cytokine interleukin-12 (IL-12). Surface markers were analysed by immunophenotyping using flow cytometry. Differentiation capability was evaluated towards adipogenesis and osteogenesis. We demonstrated that successfully transfected hMSC retained their surface immunophenotypes and differentiation potential into adipocytes and osteocytes. These results indicate that hMSC may be a suitable vehicle for gene transduction.
Antigens, Surface/metabolism ; Biological Markers/metabolism ; Bone Marrow Cells/cytology ; Bone Marrow Cells/metabolism ; Cell Differentiation/physiology ; Cells, Cultured ; Flow Cytometry ; Immunophenotyping ; Interleukin-12/genetics ; Interleukin-12/metabolism ; Mesenchymal Stem Cells/*cytology ; Mesenchymal Stem Cells/metabolism ; Transfection