Placenta-derived decidual stromal cells – a novel therapy for graft-versus-host disease, haemorrhages and toxicity after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Abstract

Allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is a well-established therapy for leukaemia and other disorders of the immunohaematopoietic system. However, transplanted cells can attack the patient ’ s tissue, so-called graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Severe GVHD can lead to death. Other complications after ASCT include toxicity,haemorrhages and infections. Stromal cells, such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) or placenta-derived decidual stromal cells (DSCs), have an immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory effect. This effect is seen despite human leucocyte antigen (HLA) incompatibility between the stromal cells and stimulatory or alloreactive cells in vitro , which enables the use of third-party stromal cells in the clinic. I was the first to use MSCs for life-threatening acute GVHD with miraculous response in some, but not all, patients.