Autophagy plays a protective role in tumor necrosis factor-α-induced apoptosis of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells

摘要

Background: Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) are being broadly investigated for treating numerous inflammatory diseases. However, the low survival rate of BMSCs during the transplantation process has limited their application. Autophagy can maintain cellular homeostasis and protect cells against environmental stresses. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is an important inflammatory cytokine that can induce both autophagy and apoptosis of BMSCs. However, the actual role of autophagy in TNF-α-induced apoptosis of BMSCs remain poorly understood.