Future of muse cells

Abstract

Discovered nearly 10 years ago by Professor Mari Dezawa and her colleagues, Muse cells are entering clinical trials faster than any other stem cell for three reasons. First, Muse cells have multiple fail-safe mechanisms to keep themselves from growing out of control and do not form tumors. In contrast, embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells form tumors and must be differentiated before transplantation. Second, Muse cells possess potent anti-immune mechanisms, including human leukocyte antigen G and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase that prevent both cellular and humoral immunity. Muse cells engraft even though they do not match HLA antigens with the host. Third, Muse cells are able to determine what kind and how many cells they need to make for tissue repair. While the mechanisms responsible for these traits are not well understood, Muse cells are able to enter severely injured tissues of all kinds and repair them. Study of mechanisms underlying these traits of Muse cells is likely to yield new therapies for cancer prevention, autoimmune diseases, and repair of injured tissues. The future is bright for Muse cells.