Fig. 2
From: Redressing the interactions between stem cells and immune system in tissue regeneration
The immunomodulatory properties of MuSCs during colon inflammation. The resolution of inflammation allows tissue to return to homeostasis. The immunomodulatory properties of MuSCs are required from this process. On the one hand, MuSCs can act on maturing macrophages and confer them with anti-inflammatory properties via IGF2 secretion, thus ameliorating DSS-induced colitis and facilitating tissue repair. On the other hand, inflammatory cytokines-licensed MuSCs, particularly with IFN-γ and TNF-α, can also alleviate DSS-induced colitis through IDO metabolites-mediated TSG6 production, which mediates the switch of macrophages from a M1 to a M2 phenotype