Search

Abstract: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) represent a population of the bone marrow microenvironment, which participates in the regulation of haematopoietic stem cells (HSC) self-renewal and differentiation. MSC are multipotent non-haematopoietic progenitors, which have been explored as a promising treatment in tissue regeneration. Both in vitro and in vivo, the MSC inhibit the T, B, NK and dendritic cell functions. Although MSC immunomodulating properties are not yet completely understood, their low immunogenic potential can be used as a therapeutic tool not only for regenerative medicine, but also for the treatment of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after bone marrow transplantation as well as for specific cases of severe refractory autoimmune diseases. Experimental and clinical data gave encouraging results, showing that MSC injection allowed controlling refractory GVHD, restoring bone development in children with osteogenesis imperfecta or improving heart function after myocardial infarction. Phase I–II studies are in progress in various countries to investigate the potential benefit from MSC due to their immunosuppressive properties, as an adjunctive therapy for severe refractory autoimmune disease. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In solid organ transplant, immunosuppressive therapy helped to increase graft and patient survival. However, these treatments are associated with toxic risks and infectious or tumor complications. The identification of immunoregulatory properties of regulatory cells and in particular Mesenchymal Stem Cells opens new therapeutic perspectives in the prevention of acute rejection and for the treatment of chronic rejection. In this review we will describe immunoregulatory properties of these cells and their potential use in solid organ transplantation.