Expert Opin Biol Ther. 2010 May;10(5):701-9.

Allogenic bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells transplantation as a novel therapy for systemic lupus erythematosus.

Zhang H, Zeng X, Sun L.

Source

Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008 China.

Abstract

IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD:

Bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSC) are multipotent non-hematopoietic progenitor cells that are being explored as a promising new treatment for tissue regeneration. Although their immunomodulatory properties are not yet completely understood, their low immunogenic potential together with their effects on immune response make them a promising therapeutic tool for severe refractory autoimmune diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

AREA COVERED IN THIS REVIEW:

Our aim is to discuss recent progress in understanding the role of malfunctioning BMMSC in etiopathogenesis of SLE and to explore allogenic BMMSC transplantation as a potential therapy for SLE.

WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN:

Recent evidence suggests that the functions of BMMSC are disrupted in SLE pathology. This malfunction may result as a corollary of the disease, or may play a more fundamental role in its etiopathogenesis. We provide a brief characterization of BMMSC immunomodulatory effects, and describe our current understanding of the mechanisms by which it plays a part in treating SLE. We also present our clinical trial using allogenic BMMSC in this context.

TAKE HOME MESSAGE:

Allogenic BMMSC appear to be a safe therapeutic option for treatment-resistant SLE as illustrated in our clinical trial.

PMID: 20345339 [PubMed – indexed for MEDLINE]