Immunomodulatory properties of human adult and fetal multipotent mesenchymal stem cells
Journal
Journal of Biomedical Science
Journal Volume
18
Journal Issue
1
Date Issued
2011
Author(s)
Abstract
In recent years, a large number of studies have contributed to our understanding of the immunomodulatory mechanisms used by multipotent mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Initially isolated from the bone marrow (BM), MSCs have been found in many tissues but the strong immunomodulatory properties are best studied in BM MSCs. The immunomodulatory effects of BM MSCs are wide, extending to T lymphocytes and dendritic cells, and are therapeutically useful for treatment of immune-related diseases including graft-versus-host disease as well as possibly autoimmune diseases. However, BM MSCs are very rare cells and require an invasive procedure for procurement. Recently, MSCs have also been found in fetal-stage embryo-proper and extra-embryonic tissues, and these human fetal MSCs (F-MSCs) have a higher proliferative profile, and are capable of multilineage differentiation as well as exert strong immunomodulatory effects. As such, these F-MSCs can be viewed as alternative sources of MSCs. We review here the current understanding of the mechanisms behind the immunomodulatory properties of BM MSCs and F-MSCs. An increase in our understanding of MSC suppressor mechanisms will offer insights for prevalent clinical use of these versatile adult stem cells in the near future. ? 2011 Chen et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.
SDGs
Other Subjects
adult; autoimmune disease; cell differentiation; cell interaction; cell isolation; cell lineage; cell proliferation; dendritic cell; fetus; graft versus host reaction; human; human cell; immunomodulation; immunoregulation; mesenchymal stem cell; multipotent stem cell; natural killer cell; priority journal; review; stem cell transplantation; T lymphocyte; T lymphocyte subpopulation; adult stem cell; biological therapy; cytology; fetus; immunology; methodology; immunologic factor; Adult Stem Cells; Cell Differentiation; Cell Proliferation; Dendritic Cells; Fetus; Humans; Immunologic Factors; Killer Cells, Natural; Mesenchymal Stem Cells; Multipotent Stem Cells; T-Lymphocytes; Tissue Therapy
Type
review