Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2025
Author Spotlight: Insight Into Advances in Prion Diseases Research
Published on: August 11, 2023
The effect of different sources of mesenchymal stem cells on microglia states
Qiang Xin1, Wenhao Zhu1, Chuan He1
1Department of Neurotrauma Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.
Abstract:
Microglial reaction plays a key role in the prognosis of traumatic CNS injuries (TBI and SCI). A growing number of studies have shown that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) play an important role in regulating microglial states. This review summarizes the effects and mechanisms of different sources of MSCs on microglial states in the last 5 years. In general, bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells are the most accessible and widely used, and can produce immunosuppressive effects on a variety of brain injuries including TBI through tissue engineering in situ implantation; MSCs mainly regulate inflammatory pathways and promote the states of microglia in the anti-inflammatory direction, which also secrete certain cytokines or extracellular vesicles to affect apoptotic pathways, such as the extracellular vesicles miR-21-5p, acting as a neuronal protector.
Insights
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) modulate microglial responses in central nervous system (CNS) injuries. Bone marrow-derived MSCs show promise in treating traumatic brain injuries by reducing inflammation and protecting neurons.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Regenerative Medicine
- Immunology
Background:
- Microglial activation is critical in traumatic central nervous system (CNS) injuries like TBI and SCI.
- Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are increasingly recognized for their immunomodulatory roles in CNS repair.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the effects and mechanisms of various MSC sources on microglial states in CNS injuries over the past five years.
- To highlight the therapeutic potential of MSCs in modulating neuroinflammation and promoting neuronal survival.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies published within the last five years.
- Analysis of research investigating MSCs' impact on microglial phenotype and function.
- Examination of underlying molecular pathways and therapeutic strategies.
Main Results:
- Bone marrow-derived MSCs are the most common source, demonstrating immunosuppressive effects in TBI models.
- MSCs steer microglia towards an anti-inflammatory phenotype, regulating key inflammatory pathways.
- Secreted factors, including cytokines and extracellular vesicles (e.g., miR-21-5p), contribute to neuroprotection by influencing apoptotic pathways.
Conclusions:
- MSCs, particularly bone marrow-derived, offer a promising therapeutic avenue for traumatic CNS injuries by modulating microglial responses.
- Targeting microglial states with MSCs and their secreted factors presents a viable strategy for neuroprotection and improving prognoses.
