Combination of mesenchymal stromal cells and machine perfusion is a novel strategy for organ preservation in solid organ transplantation

Abstract

Organ preservation is a prerequisite for an urgent increase in the availability of organs for solid organ transplantation (SOT). An increasing amount of expanded criteria donor (ECD) organs are used clinically. Currently, the paradigm of organ preservation is shifting from simple reduction of cellular metabolic activity to maximal simulation of an ex vivo physiological microenvironment. An ideal organ preservation technique should not only preserve isolated organs but also offer the possibility of rehabilitation and evaluation of organ function prior to transplantation. Based on the fact that mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) possess strong regeneration properties, the combination of MSCs with machine perfusion (MP) is expected to be superior to conventional preservation methods. In recent years, several studies have attempted to use this strategy for SOT showing promising outcomes. With better organ function during ex vivo preservation and the potential of utilization of organs previously deemed untransplantable, this strategy is meaningful for patients with organ failure to help overcome organ shortage in the field of SOT.