Stem Cell Therapy Offers a Possible Safe and Promising Alternative Approach for Treating Vitiligo: A Review

Abstract

Background: Normal skin pigmentation pattern is an extremely important component of the appearance of a person, as it can be a significant factor in the social context of any person. A condition known as vitiligo is caused by the death of melanocytes leading to pigmentation loss in the skin. This affects all races across the globe and sometimes leading to social avoidance as in some communities it is stigmatized. Although there are different pathobiological processes suspected because of the different underlying causes of vitiligo, autoimmunity and oxidative stress are suspected to be the most probable ones. Objective: In this review, we present an overview of the underlying mechanisms causing and developing the disease. Also, will be covered some of the most successful treatments along with the clinical applications of Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) as a comprehensive approach for treating this condition. Results: Autoreactive CD8+ T-cells are the primary suspect considered to be responsible for the destruction of melanocytes. Therefore, topical use of autoimmune inhibitors including those derived from MSCs, thanks to their immune-modulatory properties, have been reported to be successful in the promotion of repigmentation. MSCs can suppress the proliferation of CD8+T via the NKG2D pathway while inducing T-cell apoptosis. The use of pharmacological agents for reducing cellular oxidative stress with the help of topical application of antioxidants and growth factors also have been in use. Intravenous administration of MSCs has been shown to regulate the level of reactive oxidative species (ROS) in a mice model. Growth factors derived from platelet-rich-plasma (PRP) or from MSCs caused rapid tissue regeneration. Conclusions: Finally, MSC therapy also has been shown to stimulate the mobilization of healthy melanocytes, leading to successful repigmentation of skin lesions in vitiligo patients.

Stem cell therapy for COVID‐19, ARDS and pulmonary fibrosis

“…In addition, MSCs can inhibit abnormally activated Th1 cells, restore the Th1/Th2 balance inhibit excessive proliferation of T cells and suppress the activity of cytotoxic CD8 + T lymphocytes via the NKG2D pathway. 53 Thus, MSCs can improve the immune status by regulating the function of multiple subtypes of T cells. 54,55 Lymphopenia is also a prominent feature of COVID-19, suggesting that SARS-CoV-2 infection causes T-cell imbalance.…”

“…MSCs can decrease the secretion of IFN‐γ and TNF‐α of T cells, and upregulate the secretion of IL‐4, so that the cells are transformed from a pro‐inflammatory state to an anti‐inflammatory state. In addition, MSCs can inhibit abnormally activated Th1 cells, restore the Th1/Th2 balance inhibit excessive proliferation of T cells and suppress the activity of cytotoxic CD8 + T lymphocytes via the NKG2D pathway 53 . Thus, MSCs can improve the immune status by regulating the function of multiple subtypes of T cells 54,55 .…”

Regulatory Effect of Mesenchymal Stem Cells on T Cell Phenotypes in Autoimmune Diseases

“…Diseases. Recent studies demonstrate the remarkable therapeutic effectiveness of MSCs towards several other autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes [77], multiple sclerosis [78], Hashimoto's autoimmune thyroiditis [79], autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis [80], and vitiligo [81], among others. For example, MSCs have been shown to prevent inflammation and neurodegeneration in animal models of multiple sclerosis (MS).…”

Therapeutic effects of stem cells in different body systems, a novel method that is yet to gain trust: A comprehensive review

“…So that it has been suggested that future preclinical and clinical investigations might be needed to consider and investigate other progenitor cells, including, MSCs, ESCs, and iPS [ 403 , 406 ]. In this case, prior studies have mentioned that MSCs could promote the regimentation process as they regulate the underlying immune response leading to the disease [ 407 ]. ADSC were also investigated as supporting graft in animal models that received MelSC transplantation; the co-transplantation of ADSCs and MelSC had more beneficial effects in comparison with monoculture MelSC [ 408 ].…”