Mesenchymal stem cells: environmentally responsive therapeutics for regenerative medicine

• Published in: Experimental & molecular medicine 2013-11, Vol.45 (11), p.e54-e54
• Main Authors: Murphy, Matthew B, Moncivais, Kathryn, Caplan, Arnold I
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Biomedicine; Cellular Microenvironment; Humans; Medical Biochemistry; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells - cytology; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells - immunology; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells - metabolism; Molecular Medicine; Regenerative Medicine - methods; Review; Stem Cells
• ISSN: 2092-6413; 1226-3613; 2092-6413
• DOI: 10.1038/emm.2013.94

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are partially defined by their ability to differentiate into tissues including bone, cartilage and adipose in vitro , but it is their trophic, paracrine and immunomodulatory functions that may have the greatest therapeutic impact in vivo . Unlike pharmaceutical treatments that deliver a single agent at a specific dose, MSCs are site regulated and secrete bioactive factors and signals at variable concentrations in response to local microenvironmental cues. Significant progress has been made in understanding the biochemical and metabolic mechanisms and feedback associated with MSC response. The anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory capacity of MSC may be paramount in the restoration of localized or systemic conditions for normal healing and tissue regeneration. Allogeneic MSC treatments, categorized as a drug by regulatory agencies, have been widely pursued, but new studies demonstrate the efficacy of autologous MSC therapies, even for individuals affected by a disease state. Safety and regulatory concerns surrounding allogeneic cell preparations make autologous and minimally manipulated cell therapies an attractive option for many regenerative, anti-inflammatory and autoimmune applications. Stem cells: Tailor-made regeneration A review of ongoing research into mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) highlights their promise as a tool for treating injury and disease. MSCs are found in perivascular reservoirs throughout the body where they exhibit many therapeutically useful characteristics. Arnold Caplan from Case Western Reserve University and colleagues examine basic and clinical research into MSCs from the past few decades. Several studies indicate that these cells directly help to repair bones, but also secrete various regulatory factors that modulate immune system function and stimulate other cells to grow, and their potential as a treatment for autoimmune and neurological disease is assessed. Although MSC therapies appear to be safe, determining the scope of their efficacy and identifying optimal MSC subpopulations for clinical use will require further research.