[Mesenchymal stem cells: immunomodulatory properties and clinical application]

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent nonhematopoietic cells that were first identified in bone marrow. Clinical interest for MSCs was initiated by the observation that MSCs are immunoprivileged cells that display immunomodulatory properties in vitro. Ex vivo expanded MSCs have therefore become a new type of cellular therapy in development with a wide range of potential clinical applications. So far many clinical studies confirmed safety of their use and showed that infused MSCs suppress graft versus host disease, support engraftment of transplanted allogeneic hematopoietic stem cells and stimulate growth in patients with osteogenesis imperfecta. Although underlying immunomodulatory mechanisms of action are not completely understood, potential benefit of MSC therapy justifies its clinical use in a broad range of disorders. In this report we give historical overview of MSC discovery and current scientific and clinical achievements in this field. Better insight into their biological properties and mechanisms of action are needed.