Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cell-Based Therapies in Systemic Rheumatic Disease: From Challenges to New Approaches for Overcoming Restrictions

Abstract

Systemic rheumatic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and systemic sclerosis, are chronic autoimmune diseases affecting multiple organs and tissues. Despite recent advances in treatment, patients still experience significant morbidity and disability. Mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (MSC)-based therapy is promising for treating systemic rheumatic diseases due to the regenerative and immunomodulatory properties of MSCs. However, several challenges need to be overcome to use MSCs in clinical practice effectively. These challenges include MSC sourcing, characterization, standardization, safety, and efficacy issues. In this review, we provide an overview of the current state of MSC-based therapies in systemic rheumatic diseases, highlighting the challenges and limitations associated with their use. We also discuss emerging strategies and novel approaches that can help overcome the limitations. Finally, we provide insights into the future directions of MSC-based therapies for systemic rheumatic diseases and their potential clinical applications.

Therapeutic Efficacy of Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cell Small Extracellular Vesicles in Alleviating Arthritic Progression by Restoring Macrophage Balance

“…Therefore, there is a critical need to develop innovative and safe therapeutic approaches that can effectively target the fundamental mechanisms driving the progression of RA. In this regard, mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are a highly promising therapeutic tool to address RA, primarily due to their ability to modulate the immune response [7,8]. Although MSCs were initially thought to home injured tissues, engraft, and differentiate into appropriate cell types for tissue repair, they are now thought to exert their therapeutic activity primarily through secreted factors rather than direct differentiation [9,10].…”