Mesenchymal stromal cells as universal donor cells

Stem cell transplantation is a promising approach for improving cardiac function after severe myocardial damage for which use of autologous cells have been preferred to avoid immune rejection. Recently, however, rodent as well as human mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have been reported to be uniquely immune tolerant, both in in vitro as well as in vivo transplant models. In this editorial, we briefly summarize the current understanding of the underlying immunologic mechanisms, which can facilitate the use of such cells as "Universal Donor Cells."