C-Kit+ Cells Can Modulate Asthmatic Condition via Differentiation Into Pneumocyte-Like Cells and Alteration of Inflammatory Responses via ERK/NF-κB Pathway

Abstract Background The exact role of the progenitor cell types in the dynamic healing of asthmatic lungs is lacking. This investigation was proposed to evaluate the effect of intra-tracheally administered rat bone marrow-derived c-kit⁺ cells on ovalbumin-induced sensitized male rats. Methods Forty rats were randomly divided into 4 groups; healthy rats received phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) (C); sensitized rats received PBS (S); PBS containing C-kitˉ cells (S + C-kit−); and PBS containing C-kit⁺ cells (S + C-kit⁺). After two weeks, circulatory CD4⁺/CD8⁺ T-cell counts and pulmonary ERK/NF-κB signaling pathway as well as the probability of cellular differentiation were assessed. Results The results showed that transplanted C-Kit+ cells were engrafted into pulmonary tissue and differentiated into epithelial cells. C-Kit+ cells could increase the number of CD4+ cells in comparison with S group (p < 0.001); however, diminished the level of CD8+ cells (p < 0.01). Moreover, data showed increased p-ERK/ERK ratio (p < 0.001) and NF-ƙB level (p < 0.05) in sensitized rats compared to C group. The administration of C-kit+, but not C-Kit−, decreased p-ERK/ERK ratio and NF-ƙB level than those of S group (p < 0.05). Conclusions The study showed that C-Kit+ cells engrafted into pulmonary tissue reduced NF-ƙB protein level and diminished p-ERK/ERK ratio, leading to suppression of inflammatory response in asthmatic lungs.