An Intervertebral Disc (IVD) Regeneration Model Using Human Nucleus Pulposus Cells (iHNPCs) and Annulus Fibrosus Cells (iHAFCs)

Abstract

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration (IVDD), primarily caused by nucleus pulposus (NP) dehydration, leads to low back pain. While current treatments focus on symptom management or surgical intervention, tissue engineering using IVD-derived cells, biofactors, and scaffolds offers a promising regenerative approach. Here, human NP cells (NPCs) and annulus fibrosus cells (AFCs) are immortalized with human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), generating immortalized NPCs (iHNPCs) and AFCs (iHAFCs). These cells express NP and AF-specific markers, are reversible via FLP recombinase, and are non-tumorigenic. iHAFCs exhibit osteogenic potential, while iHNPCs show chondrogenic differentiation. A 3D-printed citrate-based scaffold was employed to develop an IVD regeneration model, with BMP9-stimulated iHAFCs in the peripheral region and BMP2-stimulated iHNPCs in the central region. Histological analysis revealed bone formation in the iHAFC region and cartilage formation in the iHNPC region, mimicking the natural IVD structure. Additionally, an ex vivo spine fusion model demonstrated robust bone formation in iHAFC-treated segments. These findings highlight the potential of iHAFCs and iHNPCs as valuable tools for IVD tissue engineering and regeneration.

Keywords: annulus fibrosus cells (AFCs); intervertebral disc degeneration; intervertebral disc regeneration; intervertebral discs; nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs); tissue engineering.