Mesenchymal stem cells as a treatment for multiple sclerosis: a focus on experimental animal studies

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive and debilitating neurological condition in which the immune system abnormally attacks the myelin sheath insulating the nerves. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are found in most adult tissues and play a significant systemic role in self-repair. MSCs have promising therapeutic effects in many diseases, such as autoimmune diseases, including MS. MSCs have been tested in MS animal models, such as experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Other studies have combined other agents with MSCs, genetically modified MSCs, or used culture medium from MSCs. In this review, we will summarize these studies and compare the main factors in each study, such as the source of MSCs, the type of animal model, the route of injection, the number of injected cells, and the mechanism of action.

The Efficacy of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapies in Rodent Models of Multiple Sclerosis: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Several sources of MSCs have been used in experimental models of MS, but most studies used BM-MSCs or ASC from humans, mice, or rats ( 9 ). In general, previous data demonstrating the beneficial effects of MSCs were not dependent on the MSCs source ( 6 ).…”

“…Potent immunomodulatory properties and pleiotropic effects have made mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) candidates for MS treatment ( 5 – 8 ). Abundant data have indicated that transplantation of MSCs may be efficacious in animal models of MS. Studies have shown that MSCs can induce autoantigen immunotolerance, enhance remyelination, maintain and remodel axons, and promote functional improvement in animal models of MS ( 9 ). Conversely, other studies have reported that MSC administration did not ameliorate the neurological deficit of MS in animal models ( 10 , 11 ).…”

Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles and Their Therapeutic Use in Central Nervous System Demyelinating Disorders

“…MSC-based therapies for immune disorders—i.e., autoimmune diseases—have shown to be promising due to immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activities presented by these cells [ 76 , 77 ]. MSCs have been tested in animal models of demyelinating diseases, such as EAE, either alone or in combination with other agents, as genetically modified cells, or as culture medium from MSCs [ 78 , 79 ].…”

Mesenchymal stem cell-based therapy and exosomes in COVID-19: current trends and prospects

“…Genetically modified MSCs have also been tested in other diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease [ 117 ], neurodegenerative diseases [ 118 ], acute cardiovascular diseases [ 119 ], spinal cord injury [ 120 ], and systemic lupus erythematosus [ 121 ]. Lotfy et al [ 36 ] reported that the immunomodulatory and neuroprotective effects of genetically modified MSCs can could be enhanced in vivo by genetically modulating important inflammatory targets, such as INF-β and sphingosine kinase-1 (SPK1) [ 122 , 123 ].…”