Therapeutic application of amniotic fluid stem cells for graft-versus-host disease

Abstract

Amniotic fluid stem (AFS) cells are a renewable cell source possessing immunomodulatory properties, making them a prime candidate for the treatment of a variety of inflammatory and immune disorders, including graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). GVHD is a complication of allogeneic transplantation that occurs when immune cells of the donor graft recognize host tissues as foreign. The immune-mediated attack that ensues threatens graft survival and damages host tissues and organs. The high incidence and high transplant-associated mortality rate associated with GVHD makes prevention and treatment key for successful transplantation. Current GVHD treatment includes high doses of broad-acting corticosteroids used to suppress the immune response. While effective in some patients, corticosteroid therapy has harsh side effects and a subset of patients is unresponsive. Stem cell-based therapy may offer a more targeted approach to suppress immune function in the treatment of GVHD. Beyond their ability to mediate the immune response, AFS cells can be expanded indefinitely in culture and can be fully characterized and banked for future use, making them a superior cell source for the treatment of GVHD.