Plasma elevation of stromal cell-derived factor-1 induces mobilization of mature and immature hematopoietic progenitor and stem cells

The chemokine, stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF1), is produced in the hon e marrow and has been shown to modulate the homing of stem cells to this si te by mediating chemokinesis and chemotaxis. Therefore, it was hypothesized that elevation of SDF1 level in the peripheral circulation would result in mobilization of primitive hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. SDF1 pl asma level was increased by intravenous injection of an adenoviral vector e xpressing SDF1 alpha (AdSDF1) into severe combined immunodeficient mice. Th is resulted in a 10-fold increase in leukocyte count, a 3-fold increase in platelets, and mobilization of progenitors, including colony-forming units- granulocyte-macrophage to the peripheral circulation. In addition, AdSDF1 i nduced mobilization of cells with stem cell potential, including colony-for ming units in spleen and long-term reconstituting cells. These data demonst rate that overexpression of SDF1 in the peripheral circulation results in t he mobilization of hematopoietic cells with repopulating capacity, progenit or cells, and precursor cells, These studies lay the foundation for using S DF1 to induce mobilization of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells in in vivo studies. (Blood. 2001;97:3354-3360) (C) 2001 by The American Society of Hematology.