Fig. 5

CXCR7 gain-of-function improves the therapeutic efficiency of MSCs in experimental arthritis. Articular index (a) and ankle circumference (b) in rat collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) with or without CXCR7-genetically engineered MSC treatments. Rats were immunized with collagen on days 0 and 7, followed by injection of control vector-expressing MSCs (control MSCs), CXCR7-expressing MSCs (CXCR7-MSCs), or vehicle (PBS) into each ankle joint on day 16. Data are means ± SD (n=6–8). *P < 0.01 compared with the vehicle treatment. ^# P < 0.01 compared with the control MSC treatment. c Representative morphologies and radiographs of the rat paw or ankles receiving the aforementioned treatments on day 28. Arrows indicate obvious differences in the degree of joint damage between groups. Articular index (d) and ankle circumference (e) in normal rat (sham) or rat with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) receiving native MSC (MSCs), vehicle-primed MSC, CCX771-primed MSC, or TC14012-primed MSC treatment. Rats were immunized with collagen on days 0 and 7, followed by injection of CCX771, TC14012, or vehicle-primed MSCs into each ankle joint on day 16. Data are means ± SD (n=6–8). *P < 0.01 compared with the untreated group (non-treated). ^# P < 0.01 compared with the native MSC (MSCs) treatment. f Representative morphologies and radiographs of the rat paw or ankles receiving the aforementioned treatments on day 28. Arrows indicate obvious differences in the degree of joint damage between groups