Mesenchymal stem cells
- Correspondence to Professor Sara Rankin, Leukocyte Biology Section, NHLI Division, SAF, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, Exhibition Rd, London SW72AZ, UK; s.rankin{at}imperial.ac.uk
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Contributors Professor SR wrote the review.
- Received 23 March 2012
- Accepted 6 April 2012
- Published Online First 3 May 2012
Abstract
Mesenchymal Stem cells (MSCs) are stromal cells that can be readily harvested from adult bone marrow and adipose tissue, but also umbilical cords. With respect to respiratory disease, the therapeutic potential of these cells lies in their paracrine effects which underlie their ability to enhance tissue regeneration and modulate immune responses. MSCs have been shown to be effective in a range of murine models of respiratory disease, and there are currently five clinical trials involving the administration of MSCs for respiratory diseases, including COPD and emphysema. This paper summarises the features of MSCs.
