Therapeutic mesenchymal stromal cells: where we are headed

With a range of therapeutic uses, from diabetes and Crohn's disease to wound repair, interest in the function, characterization, and expansion of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) is growing rapidly. When considering the therapeutic use of MSCs, one must take into account a multitude of options including the ideal source of MSCs, the ideal donor, and the best means of expansion. Here we discuss different sources of MSCs, including cord blood, bone marrow, and adipose tissue, the option of using autologous and allogeneic donors, and finally we discuss GMP-applicable expansion protocols aimed at expanding MSCs for clinical use.