Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Immunomodulation and Tissue Repair

Do you know that there are stem cells in practically every tissue of your body? However, not all these stem cells are the same. In the 1960s, scientists found a population of fibroblast-like cells in bone marrow tissue that had the unique ability to renew themselves. These cells have become the target of extensive research due to their intriguing properties.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are one of the stem cells, known for their multipotent ability. This multipotency allows them to differentiate into mesodermal lineages and even some ectodermal and endodermal lineages under specific conditions. It means they can produce more than one type of specialized cell of the body and can give rise to several types of cells, including bone, cartilage, muscle, nerves, fat, and pancreatic beta cells.

MSCs are also characterized by their low immunogenicity, which means they are less likely to provoke an immune response. This property makes them ideal candidates for allogeneic transplantation. MSC therapy can improve the quality of life in individuals dealing with a wide range of conditions, from degenerative conditions to autoimmune disorders. But do you know about their impactful role in immunomodulation and tissue repair? Read on to find out!

Immunomodulatory Properties of MSCs

The immunomodulatory functions of MSCs involve complex interactions between cell-cell contact mechanisms and solute factor secretion to regulate immune homeostasis. MSCs secrete bioactive molecules such as transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). They also secrete interleukin-10 (IL-10), and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), which modulate immune responses. These modes of action will operate synergistically to influence immune cell behavior. Their impact on immune signaling pathways is the key feature of mesenchymal stem cells in immunomodulatory functions.

Likewise, MSCs have the unique ability to inhibit T-cell proliferation. They can suppress B-cell activation, and modulate macrophage activity which assists in promoting an anti-inflammatory phenotype. This property is important in treating inflammatory and autoimmune conditions.

Tissue Repair Properties of MSCs

Mesenchymal stem cells have also been known for their tissue repair properties, along with immunosuppression and neuroprotection. Initially, it was believed that MSCs travel to the injury sites, get differentiated, and replace the damaged cells. However, recent research shows that engraftment and differentiation of these cells are limited.

MSCs exert their therapeutic effects predominantly through a paracrine mechanism. They do this by secreting a wide range of trophic factors which includes vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and fibroblast growth factor (FGF), which promote angiogenesis and tissue regeneration. They acts by secreting trophic factors and fusing with the plasma membrane to treat the injury sites.

The Role of MSC in Clinical Applications

Thanks to its tissue repair and immunomodulatory properties, MSCs have a pivotal role in regenerative medicine and cell-based therapy for various medical conditions. Several clinical trials are underway to harness their potential in treating chronic and acute illnesses. Some of the medical conditions that MSCs have shown promising results are:

• Osteoarthritis – MSCs promote cartilage repair and decrease inflammation in osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint condition that affects the cartilage and bone in the joints.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis – MSCs have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties that aid in treating rheumatoid arthritis. This autoimmune disorder causes inflammation and damage to the joints.
• Graft-versus-Host Disease (GVHD) – Immunosuppressive properties of MSCs make them useful in treating GVHD, a complication that occurs after a bone marrow transplant.
• Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack) – MSCs also have been studied for their potential to promote tissue repair in the heart muscles, followed by a heart attack.
• Spinal Cord Injury – MSCs are being studied for their potential to promote the restoration of damaged nerve tissue in the event of spinal cord injury.
• Autoimmune Diseases – Mesenchymal stem cells, due to their anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, possess a vital role in the treatment of autoimmune disorders such as multiple sclerosis and lupus.
• Type 1 Diabetes – MSCs are also studied for their potential to preserve insulin-producing beta cells in type 1 diabetes individuals.
• Lung Diseases – MSCs have also shown their potential to help repair lung tissue in individuals with conditions such as COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) and ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome).
• Lyme Disease – Mesenchymal stem cells have been analyzed for their role in helping tissue repair damage and reducing inflammation caused by bacterial infection transmitted by ticks.
• ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) – MSCs help in protecting and repairing nerve cells in the spinal cord damaged in ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.

Moreover, emerging studies highlight the potential of MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs). These studies include exosomes, in regenerative medicine. These vesicles carry proteins, RNA, and lipids that can mimic MSC therapeutic effects without cell transplantation.

Wrapping Up!

Now that you know about the potential of mesenchymal stem cells, are you thinking about banking your child’s cord tissue? At Cryoviva Life Sciences, one of India’s leading stem cell banking facilities, we implement world-class facilities and follow a standardized procedure to save your baby’s cord tissue, making it easily accessible to your family in future emergencies.