Abstract
Growing knowledge on the biology of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has provided new insights into their potential clinical applications, particularly for rheumatologic disorders. Historically, their potential to differentiate into cells of the bone and cartilage lineages has led to a variety of experimental strategies to investigate whether MSCs can be used for tissue engineering approaches. Beyond this potential, MSCs also display immunosuppressive properties, which have prompted research on their capacity to suppress local inflammation and tissue damage in a variety of inflammatory autoimmune diseases and, in particular, in rheumatoid arthritis. Currently, an emerging field of research comes from the possibility that these cells, through their trophic/regenerative potential, may also influence the course of chronic degenerative disorders and prevent cartilage degradation in osteoarthritis. This review focuses on these advances, specifically on the biological properties of MSCs, including their immunoregulatory characteristics, differentiation capacity and trophic potential, as well as the relevance of MSC-based therapies for rheumatic diseases.
Highlights
For several years, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs; called mesenchymal stromal cells) have been largely studied and used as a new therapeutic tool for a number of clinical applications, in particular for the treatment of rheumatologic disorders
Definition of mesenchymal stem cells: location and characterization MSCs were first identified in the bone marrow (BM) [2] but are described to reside in connective tissues and notably in adipose tissue (AT) [3], placenta [4], umbilical cord [5], dental pulp [6], tendon [7], trabecular bone [8] and synovium [9]
ATderived MSCs (ASCs) are easier to isolate in high numbers
Summary
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs; called mesenchymal stromal cells) have been largely studied and used as a new therapeutic tool for a number of clinical applications, in particular for the treatment of rheumatologic disorders. Functional properties of mesenchymal stem cells Differentiation capacity and paracrine signaling are both properties relevant for therapeutic applications of MSCs. MSC differentiation contributes by regenerating damaged tissue, whereas MSC paracrine signaling regulates the cellular response to injury. Differentiation properties MSCs are an attractive source of cells for bone and cartilage engineering because of their osteogenic and chondrogenic potential.
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