Immune modulation by mesenchymal stem cells

Abstract

Objective: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with capacities of multi-differentiation and anti-immune rejection have been widely used in medicine research. This paper summarized the biological characteristics, immunogenicity, immune modulation and application of MSCs. Data Sources: Using the keywords of "mesenchymal stem cell, immune", we searched Pubmed database for related articles published from February 1994 to March 2007. Meanwhile, Chinese Periodical Full-text Database was searched for related Chinese articles dated between January 2003 and February 2007 with the same keywords in Chinese. Study Selection: The data were firstly selected, and the quotation was looked over. Articles about immune modulation by MSCs were included, and repetitive studies were excluded. Data Extraction: 152 relevant literatures were collected, 56 were in accordance with the inclusive criteria, and 96 repetitive or old articles were excluded. Finally, 31articles were selected, involving the biological characteristics, immunogenicity, and immune modulation (inhibition of T cell reproduction, transplants and immune response), and application of MSCs. Data Synthesis: MSCs can be isolated from postnatal bone marrow, adipose tissue, kidney, and skin as well as from various fetal tissues. They can differentiate into different tissues, including osteoblast, chondrocytes, adipocytes and nerve cells. Moreover, one of the most intriguing features of MSCs is that they can escape immune recognition and inhibit immune responses. MSCs decrease immunogenicity and modulate the immune function by interacting with immune cells such as antigen presenting cells, T cells, and natural killer cells. MSCs have shown promise in cell therapy for cardiac repair, skeletal reconstruction and metabolic diseases, and the feasibility of gene transfer procedures into MSCs will probably increase the range of their clinical utilization. Conclusion: MSCs could regulate immune system, and present a promise in inducing transplantation tolerance and treating autoimmune disease. However, how to effectively control the oriented differentiation in vivo, proliferation, migration, and integration with host cell tissue function still needs further systemic study.