Serum proteomic analysis of U-NK cell-mediated enhancement of hematopoietic engraftment post-allo-HSST using LC-MS/MS

To elucidate the mechanisms by which donor-derived unlicensed natural killer (U-NK) cells promote hematopoietic engraftment, we performed a comparative serum proteomic analysis. Using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), we profiled serum proteins from recipient mice on day 21 post-transplantation. Three groups were compared: mice infused with U-NK cells, those infused with licensed NK (L-NK) cells, and a control group receiving bone marrow reinfusion only. This time point was selected as it marks the first significant divergence in hematopoietic reconstitution between groups. The analysis aims to identify differentially expressed proteins and pathways associated with the enhanced neutrophil and platelet recovery observed in U-NK cell recipients, with a focus on proteins related to hematopoietic stem cell homing and stromal interaction.