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Updated: Feb 28, 2026
Author Spotlight: Advancements in iPSCs and Genetic Disease Research
Published on: October 20, 2023
Procoagulant activity of human mesenchymal stem cells
Barbara A Christy1, Maryanne C Herzig, Robbie K Montgomery
1From the Coagulation & Blood Research (B.A.C., M.C.H., R.K.M., C.D., J.A.B., K.M.R., A.P.C.), US Army Institute of Surgical Research, JBSA Fort Sam Houston, Texas; Department of Molecular Medicine (B.A.C.), University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, and Department of Surgery (A.P.C.), University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas.
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) used for trauma treatment express tissue factor (TF), which can activate blood clotting. Adipose-derived MSCs are more procoagulant than bone marrow MSCs, requiring careful selection for patient safety.
Area of Science:
- Regenerative Medicine
- Cell Therapy
- Hematology
Background:
- Allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) offer therapeutic potential for trauma by modulating inflammation and immune responses.
- MSCs express tissue factor (TF), a potent coagulation activator, raising safety concerns for systemic administration.
- Trauma patients may have pre-existing coagulation abnormalities, complicating MSC therapy safety assessments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate TF expression and procoagulant activity across various MSC populations.
- To characterize safety considerations for systemic MSC use in trauma patients.
- To determine the impact of MSC source and culture conditions on coagulation effects.
Main Methods:
- Expansion and characterization of MSCs from adipose tissue and bone marrow.
- Flow cytometry to quantify cell surface TF expression (CD142).
- Thromboelastography and calibrated automated thrombogram assays to assess procoagulant activity in plasma and whole blood.
Main Results:
- MSCs express surface TF and exhibit procoagulant activity in blood/plasma.
- Adipose-derived MSCs (Ad-MSCs) were more procoagulant and had higher TF expression than bone marrow MSCs (BM-MSCs), with greater variability in BM-MSCs.
- TF expression levels correlated with procoagulant activity, which varied with cell culture time.
Conclusions:
- MSC populations differ significantly in TF expression and procoagulant potential.
- Ad-MSCs present a higher, more consistent procoagulant risk for systemic administration in coagulopathic patients compared to BM-MSCs.
- Routine monitoring of MSC TF expression and coagulation activity is crucial for safe clinical application.
