摘要Objective: Human embryonic stem cells(hESCs)have recently been reported as an unlimited source of mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs).The present study not only provides an identical and clinically compliant MSC source derived from hESCs(hESC-MSCs),but also describes the immunomodulative effects of hESC-MSCs in vitro and in vivo for a carbon tetrachloride(CCl4)-induced liver inflammation model.Methods: Undifferentiated hESCs were treated with Rho-associated kinase(ROCK)inhibitor and induced to fibroblast-looking cells.These cells were tested for their surface markers and multilineage differentiation capability.Further more,we analyzed their immune characteristics by mixed lymphocyte reactions(MLRs)and animal experiments.Results: hESC-MSCs show a homogenous fibroblastic morphology that resembles bone marrow-derived MSCs(BM-MSCs).The cell markers and differentiation potential of hESC-MSCs are also similar to those of BM-MSCs.Unlike their original cells,hESC-MSCs possess poor immunogenicity and can survive and be engrafted into a xenogenic immunocompetent environment.Conclusions: The hESC-MSCs demonstrate strong inhibitory effects on lymphocyte proliferation in vitro and anti-inflammatory infiltration properties in vivo.This study offers information essential to the applications of hESC-MSC-based therapies and evidence for the therapeutic mechanisms of action.