Generation of Neural Stem/Progenitor-like Cells from Cultured Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells combined with Cannabidiol

Recent advances in chemical reprogramming with small molecule combination have enabled the direct conversion of somatic cells into different cell lineages without genetic modification. This study aimed to investigate reprogramming and differentiation capacity of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) after treating with only a single small molecule, cannabidiol (CBD). The differentiated reprogrammed cells exhibited high expression of neuronal stem/progenitor cell (NSPCs) markers without pluripotency markers, suggesting cellular identity was switched to NSPCs via direct reprogramming. Transcriptomics and proteomic analyses of the differentiated reprogrammed cells showed the remarkable expression of genes specific to NSPCs and endocannabinoid system along with regenerative parameters and morphogenesis. Unexpectedly, we have found that PBMCs may inherently possess certain levels of plasticity or potency, possibly through dedifferentiation or transdifferentiation mechanisms. Our findings convey the idea that CBD together with intrinsic plasticity of PBMCs might be able to induce the transdifferentiation of PBMCs.