Opportunities and challenges: mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of multiple sclerosis

Int J Neurosci. 2023 Dec;133(9):1031-1044. doi: 10.1080/00207454.2022.2042690. Epub 2022 May 17.

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) was once considered an untreatable disease. Through years of research, many drugs have been discovered and are widely used for the treatment of MS. However, the current treatment can only alleviate the clinical symptoms of MS and has serious side effects. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) provide neuroprotection by migrating to injured tissues, suppressing inflammation, and fostering neuronal repair. Therefore, MSCs therapy holds great promise for MS treatment. This review aimed to assess the feasibility and safety of use of MSCs in MS treatment as well as its development prospect in clinical treatment by analysing the existing clinical studies.

Keywords: Multiple sclerosis; clinical trial; feasibility; mesenchymal stem cells; safety.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation* / methods
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells* / physiology
  • Multiple Sclerosis* / etiology
  • Multiple Sclerosis* / therapy
  • Neuroprotection