Mesenchymal stromal cell therapy in Crohn's disease

Abstract

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have been shown to possess the ability to home to injured tissues and actively participate in tissue repair. They have the ability to suppress immune responses both in vitro and in vivo and in animal models of experimental autoimmune diseases. In patients with acute and chronic immune diseases, this capacity of MSCs has also been observed. The tendency of MSCs to regenerate damaged tissue combined with their capability to regulate immune and inflammatory responses gives a strong rationale for using MSCs as a new treatment option in diseases characterized by inflammation with severe tissue damage, such as Crohn's disease. This chapter highlights the present knowledge on MSCs in Crohn's disease. The application of MSCs in experimental colitis models and clinical trials with MSCs in luminal and fistulizing Crohn's disease are discussed.