Effects of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells on Regulatory T cells: Current Understanding and Clinical Relevance

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) promote regulatory T (T ‐reg) cells numbers and immune suppressive functions through mechanisms involving cell‐cell contact, production of soluble mediators, re‐programming of antigen presenting cells (APC) and release of extracellular vesicles (EV) that likely represent important components of MSC therapeutic effect s in immune/inflammatory diseases. AbstractThe immunomodulatory potential of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) and regulatory T cells (T ‐reg) are well recognized by translational scientists in the field of regenerative medicine and cellular therapies. A wide range of pre‐clinical studies as well as a limited number of human clinical trials of MSC therapies have not only shown promising safety and efficacy profiles but have also revealed changes in T‐reg frequency and function. However, the mechanisms underlying this potentially important observation are not well understood and, consequently, the optimal strategies for harnessing MSC/T‐reg cross‐talk remain elusive. Cell‐to‐cell contact, production of soluble fact ors, re‐programming of antigen presenting cells to tolerogenic phenotypes and induction of extracellular vesicles (“exosomes”) have emerged as possible mechanisms by which MSC produce an immune‐modulatory milieu for T‐reg expansion. Additionally, these two cell types have the potential to complement each other's immunoregulatory functions and a combinatorial approach may exert synergistic effec...
Source: Stem Cells - Category: Stem Cells Authors: Tags: Regenerative Medicine Source Type: research