Characterization of multipotent mesenchymal stem cells isolated from equine umbilical cord blood

Properties and characteristics of multipotent mesenchymal stem cells (MMSCs) isolated from equine umbilical cord’s blood in vitro have been studied. The cells had morphology similar to fibroblast, high adhesive capabilities, and immunophenotype CD31^–, CD34^–, CD90⁺. Analysis of sensitivity of MMSCs to the equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV) was conducted. The immunocytochemical analysis detected expression of the p26 antigen in MMSCs that are being infected with EIAV. The results obtained show that MMSCs isolated from equine umbilical cord blood can be applied in veterinary virology.