The Differentiation and Regeneration Potential of ABCB5⁺ Mesenchymal Stem Cells: A Review and Clinical Perspectives

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a family of multipotent stem cells that show self-renewal under proliferation, multilineage differentiation, immunomodulation, and trophic function. Thus, these cells, such as adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs), bone marrow-derived MSCs (BM-MSCs), and umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs), carry great promise for novel clinical treatment options. However, the challenges associated with the isolation of MSCs and the instability of their in vitro expansion remain significant barriers to their clinical application. The plasma membrane-spanning P-glycoprotein ATP-binding cassette subfamily B member 5 positive MSCs (ABCB5⁺ MSCs) derived from human skin specimens offer a distinctive advantage over other MSCs. They can be easily extracted from the dermis and expanded. In culture, ABCB5⁺ MSCs demonstrate robust innate homeostasis and a classic trilineage differentiation. Additionally, their ability to modulate the recipients' immune system highlights their potential for allogeneic applications in regenerative medicine. In this review, we primarily discuss the differentiation potential of ABCB5⁺ MSCs and their perspectives in regenerative medicine.