Modulation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells-Mediated Adaptive Immune Effectors' Repertoire in the Recovery of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Stem Cell Rev Rep. 2023 Feb;19(2):322-344. doi: 10.1007/s12015-022-10452-7. Epub 2022 Oct 22.

Abstract

The breakdown of self-tolerance of the immune response can lead to autoimmune conditions in which chronic inflammation induces tissue damage. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a debilitating multisystemic autoimmune disorder with a high prevalence in women of childbearing age; however, SLE incidence, prevalence, and severity are strongly influenced by ethnicity. Although the mystery of autoimmune diseases remains unsolved, disturbance in the proportion and function of B cell subsets has a major role in SLE's pathogenesis. Additionally, colocalizing hyperactive T helper cell subgroups within inflammatory niches are indispensable. Despite significant advances in standard treatments, nonspecific immunosuppression, the risk of serious infections, and resistance to conventional therapies in some cases have raised the urgent need for new treatment strategies. Without the need to suppress the immune system, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), as ''smart" immune modulators, are able to control cellular and humoral auto-aggression responses by participating in precursor cell development. In lupus, due to autologous MSCs disorder, the ability of allogenic engrafted MSCs in tissue regeneration and resetting immune homeostasis with the provision of a new immunocyte repertoire has been considered simultaneously. In Brief The bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) lineage plays a critical role in maintaining the hematopoietic stem-cell microstructure and modulating immunocytes. The impairment of BM-MSCs and their niche partially contribute to the pathogenesis of SLE-like diseases. Allogenic MSC transplantation can reconstruct BM microstructure, possibly contributing to the recovery of immunocyte phenotype restoration of immune homeostasis. In terms of future prospects of MSCs, artificially gained by ex vivo isolation and culture adaptation, the wide variety of potential mediators and mechanisms might be linked to the promotion of the immunomodulatory function of MSCs.

Keywords: Acquired immune system, Lymphocyte repertoire; Mesenchymal stem cells; Systemic lupus erythematosus.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cell Differentiation
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppression Therapy
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic* / genetics
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic* / therapy
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation*
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells* / metabolism