[Adipose-derived stromal cells: history, isolation, immunomodulatory properties and clinical perspectives]

Over the last decade, the clinical use of adipose-derived stromal/stem cells (ASC) in regenerative medicine is rapidly increasing. ASC belong to the mesenchymal stromal cells initially obtained from the bone marrow. Their limited differentiation capacity in vivo into functional mature cells has led to a reassessment of their mechanisms of action. One of the major clinical interests appears related to paracrine effects through a temporary production of trophic and immunomodulatory factors. Our purpose is to provide a review on the latest knowledge in the field of ASC, mechanisms of action, mainly immunomodulatory/immunosuppressive properties, methods of obtention, with a focus on clinical perspectives particularly in the field of cellular therapy and fat grafting technique in plastic surgery.