Immunomodulatory Effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Stem cells are a rather unique group of cells among all eukaryotic cells. They have self-renewal capacity, asymmetric division, and regenerative properties. Due to these features, stem cells play critical roles in many biological processes such as regeneration, disease, cancer. Recently, the researchers have been focused on a subgroup of stem cells; mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). They can be distinguished by three important characteristics: multipotency, adherence to plastics and the presence of specific surface antigens. MSCs have recently gained prominence for their immunomodulatory effects. In particular, MSCs with immunosuppressive activity have a major role in the regulation and suppression of the immune response. Unfortunately, the underlying mechanisms for this resistance have been poorly understood, yet. Studying these mechanisms in detail will enable the development of treatments such as immunotherapy and personalized therapy for autoimmune diseases, and tissue damage. Here, the current state of knowledge for this field of MSCs in the context of the immune system will be discussed.

Keywords: Mesenchymal stem cells, immunomodulation, innate immunity, adaptive immunity, autoimmune disease

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Immunomodulatory Effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cells

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