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Assessment of the Immunomodulatory Properties of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs)
Published on: December 24, 2015
New concepts on the immune modulation mediated by mesenchymal stem cells
Bruce A Bunnell1, Aline M Betancourt, Deborah E Sullivan
1Center for Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Ave, SL-99, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA. bbunnell@tulane.edu
Stem Cell Research & Therapy
|November 25, 2010
Summary
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) exhibit potent immunosuppressive properties. New research reveals that MSCs can polarize into either pro-inflammatory or immunosuppressive phenotypes, offering new therapeutic possibilities.
Area of Science:
- Stem cell biology
- Immunology
- Regenerative medicine
Background:
- Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent progenitor cells from adult tissues.
- MSCs are easily isolated, expand rapidly in vitro, and retain differentiation potential.
- Their therapeutic potential is linked to immunomodulatory activities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the immunomodulatory activities of MSCs.
- To present a new paradigm in MSC biology regarding phenotype polarization.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on MSC immunomodulation.
- Analysis of in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrating MSC immunosuppression.
- Discussion of novel findings on MSC polarization.
Main Results:
- MSCs are demonstrably potent immunosuppressants in vitro and in vivo.
- A new paradigm suggests MSCs can polarize into distinct phenotypes.
- In vitro studies show MSCs can adopt either a pro-inflammatory or immunosuppressive state.
Conclusions:
- MSCs possess significant immunomodulatory capabilities.
- The ability of MSCs to polarize into different phenotypes is a key aspect of their biology.
- This plasticity opens new avenues for therapeutic applications of MSCs.
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