2013 | Matthew B Murphy1, Kathryn Moncivais1 and Arnold I Caplan2
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are known for their ability to differentiate into various tissues and their trophic, paracrine, and immunomodulatory functions, which make them promising therapeutic agents in regenerative medicine. MSCs are site-regulated and secrete bioactive factors in response to local microenvironmental cues, making them effective in restoring localized or systemic conditions for normal healing and tissue regeneration. Allogeneic MSC treatments have been widely pursued, but autologous MSC therapies, which are safer and more regulatory-friendly, have shown efficacy even in individuals with disease states.
The review covers the history, identification, and biology of MSCs, highlighting their trophic properties, such as the secretion of growth factors and anti-inflammatory proteins, and their immunomodulatory capabilities, which can modulate immune cell activity and promote a beneficial immune response. MSCs also exhibit anti-apoptotic properties and antimicrobial activities, making them versatile for treating a wide range of conditions.
In clinical translation, MSCs have been explored for orthopedic and spine therapies, including fracture repair, osteonecrosis, spinal fusion, and cartilage repair. They have shown promise in reducing pain, improving function, and promoting healing. In cardiovascular therapies, MSCs have been investigated for myocardial infarction, vascular diseases, and peripheral artery disease, demonstrating potential in reducing scarring and improving blood flow.
In wound care and soft tissue repair, MSCs have been effective in enhancing wound healing and mitigating tissue loss in burns. For neural disorders and spinal cord injuries, MSCs have shown promise in treating multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, stroke, and spinal cord injuries, with some studies indicating improved motor function and reduced symptoms.
In autoimmune disorders, MSCs have been used to treat conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and lupus erythematosus, showing safety and potential efficacy in modulating the immune response and promoting healing. Overall, the review underscores the potential of MSCs as environmentally responsive therapeutics in regenerative medicine, with ongoing research aimed at optimizing their clinical applications.Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are known for their ability to differentiate into various tissues and their trophic, paracrine, and immunomodulatory functions, which make them promising therapeutic agents in regenerative medicine. MSCs are site-regulated and secrete bioactive factors in response to local microenvironmental cues, making them effective in restoring localized or systemic conditions for normal healing and tissue regeneration. Allogeneic MSC treatments have been widely pursued, but autologous MSC therapies, which are safer and more regulatory-friendly, have shown efficacy even in individuals with disease states.
The review covers the history, identification, and biology of MSCs, highlighting their trophic properties, such as the secretion of growth factors and anti-inflammatory proteins, and their immunomodulatory capabilities, which can modulate immune cell activity and promote a beneficial immune response. MSCs also exhibit anti-apoptotic properties and antimicrobial activities, making them versatile for treating a wide range of conditions.
In clinical translation, MSCs have been explored for orthopedic and spine therapies, including fracture repair, osteonecrosis, spinal fusion, and cartilage repair. They have shown promise in reducing pain, improving function, and promoting healing. In cardiovascular therapies, MSCs have been investigated for myocardial infarction, vascular diseases, and peripheral artery disease, demonstrating potential in reducing scarring and improving blood flow.
In wound care and soft tissue repair, MSCs have been effective in enhancing wound healing and mitigating tissue loss in burns. For neural disorders and spinal cord injuries, MSCs have shown promise in treating multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, stroke, and spinal cord injuries, with some studies indicating improved motor function and reduced symptoms.
In autoimmune disorders, MSCs have been used to treat conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and lupus erythematosus, showing safety and potential efficacy in modulating the immune response and promoting healing. Overall, the review underscores the potential of MSCs as environmentally responsive therapeutics in regenerative medicine, with ongoing research aimed at optimizing their clinical applications.