Clinical applications of mesenchymal stem cells

Abstract

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have generated a great amount of enthusiasm over the past decade as a novel therapeutic paradigm for a variety of diseases. Currently, MSC based clinical trials have been conducted for at least 12 kinds of pathological conditions, with many completed trials demonstrating the safety and efficacy. This review provides an overview of the recent clinical findings related to MSC therapeutic effects. Roles of MSCs in clinical trials conducted to treat graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD) and cardiovascular diseases are highlighted. Clinical application of MSC are mainly attributed to their important four biological properties- the ability to home to sites of inflammation following tissue injury when injected intravenously; to differentiate into various cell types; to secrete multiple bioactive molecules capable of stimulating recovery of injured cells and inhibiting inflammation and to perform immunomodulatory functions. Here, we will discuss these four properties. Moreover, the issues surrounding clinical grade MSCs and principles for MSC therapeutic approaches are also addressed on the transition of MSCs therapy from bench side to bedside.

Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Prevent Systemic Bone Loss in Collagen-Induced Arthritis

“…MSCs are also known to home to the site of injury or inflammation and contribute to tissue repair processes locally through trophic factors (10). Because of the unique combination of these properties, MSCs are being widely studied in clinical trials of various autoimmune disorders and degenerative diseases (11,12).…”

Stem cell therapy for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: How far are we from the bench to the bedside?

“…MSCs inhibit the inflammatory responses and cellular injuries, and may differentiate into epithelial-like cells. These capabilities are assumed as their mechanisms which reverse experimental pulmonary fibrosis in animals [52]. The anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic capabilities are also presented in amnion epithelial cells, placenta-derived cells, umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells and adiposederived stem cells (ADSCs) [53][54][55][56][57][58][59].…”

“…However, there is little knowledge about the safety of MSC engraftment in humans with a higher dose, intratracheally or through a pulmonary artery catheter. MSC engraftment could aggravate collagen-induced arthritis by activating IL-6 production and Th17 differentiation [52]. Therefore, we must always keep alert of these possible side effects in clinical trials or clinical uses.…”

Isolation and Characteristics of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells from Different Parts of Placenta

“…MSCs exert very important immunomodulatory effects: they suppress T-and B-cell proliferation and natural killer cells function, and they also limit the expression of the Major Histocompatibility Complex II (MHC II) [2,3]. Thanks to these properties, MSCs can be used in an effective therapy of the Graft-Versus-Host Disease (GVHD) [4,5]. It was shown that MSCs migrate to the sites of tissue injury (Table 1).…”