Combined computational and experimental analysis confirm donor-dependent optimization of critical processing parameters for improving mesenchymal stromal cell potency and expansion attributes

Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (MSC) face several heterogeneity challenges hindering clinical and commercial success. Employing a multiple response model, interplay between donor heterogeneity, and critical processing parameters (CPPs), effects on MSC potency and cell expansion attributes were investigated through computed composite attribute scores. Twelve unique CPP combinations were tested in thirteen marrow-derived MSC(M) and five adipose-tissue MSC(AT) training and test datasets, respectively. Donor heterogeneity and select CPP conditions affected a curated gene panel (surrogate for MSC potency); while MSC expansion was primarily influenced by CPPs. Model performances were evaluated against clinical effectiveness data from a previously deployed clinical trial; top-performing model predicted donor rankings coincided with clinical effectiveness data, validating the modeling approach used. Our model predicted that only 8% of tested donors were agnostic to CPPs; a majority (62%) of donors showed CPP-dependent optimal composite quality attributes, with MSC seeding density as a key driver; medium supplementation and oxygen preferences were highly donor dependent. Approximately 30% of donors performed poorly at all conditions tested and may be prospectively identified using a subset of genes (TGFB, VEGF, PDCD1LG1, PDCD1LG2, IDO). Model predicted optimal parameters worked for 69% of tested donors, while sub-optimal parameters worked for only 23% of donors and were confirmed in an independent CD14+ macrophage assay. Our integrated computational and experimental framework predictably identified interactive effects of donor heterogeneity and CPP conditions to optimize MSC potency attributes.