Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Radiation-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis: Future Prospects

Yusha Chen; Xuefeng Liu; Zhaohui Tong

doi:10.3390/cells12010006

Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Radiation-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis: Future Prospects

Cells. 2022 Dec 20;12(1):6. doi: 10.3390/cells12010006.

Authors

Yusha Chen¹, Xuefeng Liu², Zhaohui Tong¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, China.
² Departments of Pathology, Urology, and Radiation Oncology, College of Medicine, OSU Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.

Abstract

Radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis (RIPF) is a general and fatal side effect of radiotherapy, while the pathogenesis has not been entirely understood yet. By now, there is still no effective clinical intervention available for treatment of RIPF. Recent studies revealed mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) as a promising therapy treatment due to their homing and differentiation ability, paracrine effects, immunomodulatory effects, and MSCs-derived exosomes. Nevertheless, problems and challenges in applying MSCs still need to be taken seriously. Herein, we reviewed the mechanisms and challenges in the applications of MSCs in treating RIPF.

Keywords: exosomes; mesenchymal stem cells; radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis; therapy.

Publication types

Review
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Humans
Lung / pathology
Lung Injury* / pathology
Mesenchymal Stem Cells*
Pulmonary Fibrosis* / pathology
Radiation Injuries* / complications
Radiation Injuries* / therapy

Grants and funding

This work was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 82070005).