Therapeutic Potential of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Multiple Sclerosis: An Updated Review

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. MS impacts above 2.3 million people. The first treatments for the disease were mainly immunomodulatory drugs, which addressed the symptoms rather than the disease itself. In recent years, stem cell-based therapies have emerged as a promising approach, offering potential regenerative and immunoregulatory benefits. Among these, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have attracted significant attention due to their ease of isolation from various tissues, their capacity for both autologous and allogeneic use, and their ability to release key soluble factors that simultaneously modulate immune responses and promote neural repair. This review provides an updated overview of the therapeutic potential of MSCs in MS, summarizing key experimental and clinical studies that explore their mechanisms of action, efficacy, and safety profiles across different tissue sources. We also highlight current challenges in translating MSC-based therapies from bench to bedside, including inconsistent engraftment rates, dosing heterogeneity, and the inherent limitations of autologous approaches. Moreover, we discuss future perspectives and emerging therapeutic strategies, emphasizing their role as a promising frontier in personalized regenerative medicine for MS.