Mesenchymal Stem Cell Immunomodulation: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential

Na Song; Martijn Scholtemeijer; Khalid Shah

doi:10.1016/j.tips.2020.06.009

Mesenchymal Stem Cell Immunomodulation: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential

Trends Pharmacol Sci. 2020 Sep;41(9):653-664. doi: 10.1016/j.tips.2020.06.009. Epub 2020 Jul 22.

Authors

Na Song¹, Martijn Scholtemeijer², Khalid Shah³

Affiliations

¹ Center for Stem Cell Therapeutics and Imaging (CSTI), Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Medical Oncology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, China.
² Center for Stem Cell Therapeutics and Imaging (CSTI), Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
³ Center for Stem Cell Therapeutics and Imaging (CSTI), Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA. Electronic address: kshah@bwh.harvard.edu.

Abstract

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells that are emerging as the most promising means of allogeneic cell therapy. MSCs have inherent immunomodulatory characteristics, trophic activity, high invitro self-renewal ability, and can be readily engineered to enhance their immunomodulatory functions. MSCs affect the functions of most immune effector cells via direct contact with immune cells and local microenvironmental factors. Previous studies have confirmed that the immunomodulatory effects of MSCs are mainly communicated via MSC-secreted cytokines; however, apoptotic and metabolically inactivated MSCs have more recently been shown to possess immunomodulatory potential, in which regulatory T cells and monocytes play a key role. We review the immunomodulatory aspects of naïve and engineered MSCs, and discuss strategies for increasing the potential of successfully using MSCs in clinical settings.

Keywords: engineering; immunomodulation; mesenchymal stem cells; therapeutics.

Publication types

Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
Review

MeSH terms

Cytokines
Immunomodulation
Mesenchymal Stem Cells*
T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory

Substances

Cytokines

Abstract

Publication types

MeSH terms

Substances

Grants and funding