Abstract
Regenerative medicine relying on cell and gene therapies is one of the most promising approaches to repair tissues. Multipotent mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC), a population of progenitors committing into mesoderm lineages, are progressively demonstrating therapeutic capabilities far beyond their differentiation capacities. The mechanisms by which MSC exert these actions include the release of biomolecules with anti-inflammatory, immunomodulating, anti-fibrogenic, and trophic functions. While we expect the spectra of these molecules with a therapeutic profile to progressively expand, several human pathological conditions have begun to benefit from these biomolecule-delivering properties. In addition, MSC have also been proposed to vehicle genes capable of further empowering these functions. This review deals with the therapeutic properties of MSC, focusing on their ability to secrete naturally produced or gene-induced factors that can be used in the treatment of kidney, lung, heart, liver, pancreas, nervous system, and skeletal diseases. We specifically focus on the different modalities by which MSC can exert these functions. We aim to provide an updated understanding of these paracrine mechanisms as a prerequisite to broadening the therapeutic potential and clinical impact of MSC.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12916-015-0426-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Highlights
The therapeutic promise of multipotent mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC), a population of adult stem cells that can differentiate into cells deriving from mesoderm lineage, is rising [1,2,3]
Full list of author information is available at the end of the article supported these findings, demonstrating MSC immunosuppressive functions on different immune effectors [9]. These findings revealed that MSC retain unique immunological features, which are paving the way for their clinical application in the treatment of invalidating or deadly immune-related disorders [6, 10, 11]
We revealed that the osteogenic performance of bone marrow (BM)-MSC can be empowered by gene modification that introduces Homeobox protein Hox-B7, which in turn promotes an autocrine loop of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)—a key player in proliferation and osteogenic differentiation [163]
Summary
The therapeutic promise of multipotent mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC), a population of adult stem cells that can differentiate into cells deriving from mesoderm lineage, is rising [1,2,3]. MSC, historically isolated from bone marrow (BM), emerged in the biomedical field for their proliferative capacity and the potential to generate skeletal-related tissues [4]. Evidence suggests that other MSC-related mechanisms, such as secretion of cytokines or release of microvesicles (MV), may play a significant role, by promoting the stimulation of endogenous cells, the inhibition of apoptosis, neovascularization, and anti-inflammatory responses [5,6,7]. In vivo evidence suggested that MSC may induce tolerance [8].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
