Mesenchymal stromal cells and chronic inflammatory bowel disease

Abstract

Recent experimental findings have shown the ability of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) to home to damaged tissues and to produce paracrine factors with anti-inflammatory properties, potentially resulting in reduction of inflammation and functional recovery of the damaged tissues. Prompted by these intriguing properties and on the basis of encouraging preclinical data, MSCs are currently being studied in several immune-mediated disorders. Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) represent a setting in which MSCs-based therapy has been extensively investigated. Phase I and II studies have documented the safety and feasibility of MSCs. However, efficacy results have so far been conflicting. In this review, we will discuss the biologic rationale that makes MSCs a promising therapeutic tool for IBD, and analyze recent experimental and clinical findings, highlighting current limitations and future perspectives of MSCs-related immunotherapy for IBD.

Keywords: Cell therapy; Crohn's disease; Inflammatory bowel disease; Mesenchymal stromal cells; Regenerative medicine; Translational research; Ulcerative colitis.