Mesenchymal Stem Cells Delivery in Individuals with Different Pathologies: Multimodal Tracking, Safety and Future...

Area of Science:

• * Stem Cell Biology
• * Cancer Therapy
• * Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• * Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are easily isolated and possess properties making them suitable for therapeutic applications.
• * MSCs demonstrate migratory capabilities towards inflammatory sites, including tumors, suggesting their use as delivery vectors for cancer therapies (neoplasias).
• * Current clinical trials often involve carefully selected patients without comorbidities, necessitating research into MSC safety and efficacy in more complex inflammatory conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To investigate the safety and application of systemically administered (intravenous injection) MSCs in animal models with co-existing inflammatory pathologies (diabetes, wound healing, and tumors).
• * To evaluate MSCs' potential as therapeutic vectors for cancer, specifically their tumor-homing capabilities and interactions within the tumor microenvironment.
• * To elucidate the mechanisms underlying MSC behavior post-homing, including transdifferentiation, cell fusion, and paracrine signaling.

Main Methods:

• * Utilized both in vitro and in vivo experimental approaches.
• * Employed various gene reporters, including Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP), human Sodium Iodide Symporter (hNIS), and firefly Luciferase (f-Luc).
• * Applied non-invasive imaging techniques such as Positron Emission Tomography (PET), Bioluminescence Imaging (BLI), and fluorescence imaging for tracking MSCs.

Main Results:

• * MSCs exhibited distinct organ distribution patterns influenced by the pre-existing induced pathologies.
• * The study confirmed MSCs' ability to target tumors, serving as vectors for adenovirus delivery.
• * Interactions between the tumor microenvironment and homed MSCs were observed, with mechanisms like transdifferentiation, cell fusion, and paracrine effects being investigated.

Conclusions:

• * MSCs can be safely administered intravenously in the presence of multiple inflammatory conditions.
• * MSCs demonstrate pathology-dependent organ homing and effective tumor targeting for therapeutic delivery.
• * Understanding MSC-tumor microenvironment interactions enhances the safety and knowledge base for MSC-based cancer therapies.