Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Atopic Dermatitis: A Review

Abstract

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are stromal-derived non-hematopoietic progenitor cells that reside in and can be expanded from various tissues sources of adult and neonatal origin, such as the bone marrow, umbilical cord, umbilical cord blood, adipose tissue, amniotic fluid, placenta, dental pulp and skin. The discovery of the immunosuppressing action of MSCs on T cells has opened new perspectives for their use as a therapeutic agent for immune-mediated disorders, including allergies. Atopic dermatitis (AD), a chronic and relapsing skin disorder that affects up to 20% of children and up to 3% of adults worldwide, is characterized by pruritic eczematous lesions, impaired cutaneous barrier function, Th2 type immune hyperactivation and, frequently, elevation of serum immunoglobulin E levels. Although, in the dermatology field, the application of MSCs as a therapeutic agent was initiated using the concept of cell replacement for skin defects and wound healing, accumulating evidence have shown that MSC-mediated immunomodulation can be applicable to the treatment of inflammatory/allergic skin disorders. Here we reviewed the pre-clinical and clinical studies and possible biological mechanisms of MSCs as a therapeutic tool for the treatment of atopic dermatitis.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells as a Cornerstone in a Galaxy of Intercellular Signals: Basis for a New Era of Medicine

“…The skin is the largest organ, accounting for 16% of the body weight, protecting the organisms from external physical (e.g., ultraviolet radiation), organic, or biological aggressions [ 185 ]. There are many diseases and processes such as atopic dermatitis [ 186 ]; psoriasis [ 187 ]; or, especially, chronic skin wounds [ 188 ], which need new therapeutic approaches, constituting MSC as a possibility.…”

Current Insights into Immunology and Novel Therapeutics of Atopic Dermatitis

“…Acute and chronic AD: AD can be differentiated as acute or chronic based on the presiding immune response. The acute phase of AD is dominated by Th2 cytokines such as IL-4, IL-5, IL-22, IL-13, and IL-33, while the immunological mechanism in chronic AD mostly involves Th1/Th0 responses [25]. Studies have revealed that the first 28 h postallergen exposure results in an immune response predominated by Th2 and Th22 cells, while in long-lasting AD, Th1 cells become authoritative [26].…”

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cell therapy in atopic dermatitis and chronic urticaria: immunological and clinical viewpoints

“…However, the laboratory values did not show a significant difference at the end of treatment. Three more clinical trials are ongoing in Phase 1, Phase 2 and Phase 1/Phase II [ 158 ].…”