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Updated: Apr 20, 2026
Murine Model of Allergen Induced Asthma
Published on: May 14, 2012
Stem cells in animal asthma models: a systematic review
Nadim Srour1, Bernard Thébaud2
1Université de Sherbrooke, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonology, Sherbrooke, Canada; Hôpital Charles-LeMoyne, Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonology, Montreal, Canada; McGill University, Department of Medicine, Montreal, Canada; Mount Sinai Hospital Centre, Montreal, Canada; The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa, Canada.
Stem cell therapy shows promise for asthma, reducing inflammation and improving airway function in animal models. Further research, including human clinical trials, is warranted to explore its therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Regenerative Medicine
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Asthma control is often inadequate with current treatments.
- Limited therapeutic options exist for severe, poorly controlled asthma.
- Stem cell therapy has not yet been tested in human asthma trials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the literature on stem cell therapy in animal models of asthma.
- To assess the potential benefits and determine if human trials are justified.
Main Methods:
- Searched MEDLINE and Embase databases for studies on stem cell therapy in animal asthma models.
- Included 19 heterogeneous studies, primarily using mesenchymal stromal cells in mice.
Main Results:
- Stem cell therapy reduced airway inflammation, eosinophilia, and Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5).
- Universal improvements were observed in lung histopathology, including inflammation and airway remodeling.
- Several studies reported a decrease in airway hyper-responsiveness.
Conclusions:
- Stem cell therapy effectively reduces eosinophilic and Th2 inflammation in asthma animal models.
- It demonstrates efficacy across various stages of the allergic response.
- Further investigation, including human clinical trials, is recommended.
