Human Mesenchymal Stromal Cell-Mediated Immunoregulation: Mechanisms of Action and Clinical Applications

Abstract

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells found in connective tissues that can differentiate into bone, cartilage, and adipose tissue. Interestingly, they can regulate immune responses in a paracrine way and allogeneic MSCs do not elicit immune response. These properties have encouraged a number of clinical trials in a broad range of regenerative therapies. Although these trials were first focused on their differentiation properties, in the last years, the immunosuppressive features have gained most of the attention. In this review, we will summarize the up-to-date knowledge about the immunosuppressive mechanisms of MSCs in vivo and in vitro and the most promising approaches in clinical investigation.

Regulation of chronic inflammatory and immune processes by extracellular vesicles

“…EVs from both immune and nonimmune cells, such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) (8) and endothelial cells (ECs), contribute to antigen-specific and nonspecific immune regulation. Depending upon the context and vesicle type, EVs can stimulate or suppress the immune responses to infections with viruses and microbial pathogens as well as cancer.…”

Bone Marrow Cell Therapy on 1,2-Dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-Induced Colon Cancer in Rats

“…HSCs transplantation was used over several years for breast cancer and other tumors alike [7], although MSCs have received renewed interest in the last years, due to their capability to enhance the immune response as immunomodulators [8]. …”

Immunosuppressive capabilities of mesenchymal stromal cells are maintained under hypoxic growth conditions and after gamma irradiation

“…Human MSCs can be isolated from bone marrow and do not elicit a rejection reaction by the host after allogenic transplantation [3]. In addition, they have been shown to accumulate in damaged tissue and are potent modulators of immune responses [4,5]. Taken together, these properties make them good candidates for innovative therapeutic approaches in inflammatory, autoimmunity and alloimmunity disorders.…”