Mesenchymal stem cells as immunomodulator therapies for immune-mediated systemic dermatoses

Mesenchymal stems cells (MSCs) are a population of multipotent cells residing in several readily available adult tissue compartments, thus allowing for their ex vivo expansion. To date, therapeutic applications of MSCs have focused on their ability to hone to and support the repair of damaged tissues. More recent evidence suggests that MSCs possess low immunogenicity and a diverse array of immunosuppressive properties. In thisarticle, we will review the basic biology of bone marrow-derived MSCs including their immunoregulatory effects and the putative mechanisms underlying them. We will then present some of the recent clinical applications of MSCs that have leveraged these effects for the treatment of immune-mediated dermatoses such as graft-versus-host disease and systemic lupus erythematosus. Although MSCs offer great therapeutic promise, we will also highlight a number of pertinent challenges that should be overcome before their successful clinical translation.