The Use of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis: An Overview of Open Labels and Ongoing Studies

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease of unknown etiology that affects the Central Nervous System (CNS) where autoimmune-mediated mechanisms are thought to be at work. There are two possible options for treating MS, to prevent damage, and to repair the already impaired CNS. Stem Cells (SC) therapy emerges as a potential new hope for MS patients as it could accomplish both functions. There is a growing body of literature that supports the potential of the SC for immunomodulation and re-myelination. Here we focus on examining the registered published and on-going clinical trials using the Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC) therapy in MS. We have found that a total of 85 patients were enrolled in 9 cell-base studies with encouraging results. These studies were not statistically analyzed; however, they showed safety of the MSC therapy. Based on the results emerging from these patients, who failed to respond to even immunosuppressive drugs, clinical improvement was observed in 62%, a stable course in 22%; and 16% remaining in a progressive course. Given the evidence, we support that cell-based therapies are safe and reasonable to initiate a double blind, randomized controlled trials. This would represent a new and unique therapeutic approach for the progressive forms of MS.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy in Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…However, most trials were under-reported due to the low number of treated subjects, different dosages [3] used in the studies, the feasibility of autologous [12] or allogenic transplantation [3], and the unclear therapeutic window after the treatment effect. Several human clinical trials have reported a favorable safety profile on transplantation of these multipotent stem cells [13,14]. While the safety of using MSCs in the treatment of diseases such as hematological, cardiac, and inflammatory diseases has been extensively documented, there is limited research available regarding their application in the context of MS [14].…”

“…Several human clinical trials have reported a favorable safety profile on transplantation of these multipotent stem cells [13,14]. While the safety of using MSCs in the treatment of diseases such as hematological, cardiac, and inflammatory diseases has been extensively documented, there is limited research available regarding their application in the context of MS [14]. Hence, the utilization of MSCs as an alternative therapeutic approach for managing the progression of MS is garnering growing interest [15,16].…”

A cell-based drug delivery platform for treating central nervous system inflammation

“…Indeed, MSCs have shown efficacy in the treatment of the MS animal model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), by modulating the activity of dendritic cells and T cells [12,14,15]. Moreover, recent reports suggest that MSCs can be used to reduce autoimmune inflammation in MS patients [16,17]. However, their postinfusion potency is unpredictable [14,15], raising the need for safe and scalable bioengineering approaches to further maximize the therapeutic potential of MSCs in the context of MS.…”