Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation: Immunobiology, Therapeutic Applications and Challenges- A Review Article

Mesenchymal stem cells are adult, non-hematopoietic, mulipotent and self-renewal cells. These cells were first isolated from bone marrow and considered as the most important cells in cell therapy. These cells have been used in clinical trials (animal models) about more than a decade. Regarding immunomodulatory properties through immunosuppressive factors and their repair potency, these cells have been widely used in the treatment of immunological (chronic and autoimmune diseases) and non-immunological diseases (tissue engineering, tissue repair, degenerative and malignant diseases.(This review aimed to study the therapeutic roles, immunobiology and challenges ahead of mesenchymal stem cells. At first articles related to mesenchymal stem cells were searched from valid databases such as Wily Online Library, ISI web of science, Springer Link, Sciencedirect, Pubmed, google scholar, SID, and ISC. Then, the related articles studied from 2002 to 2014 were searched. They were about the modulatory role, therapeutic effects (in immunologic and non-immunologic diseases) and clinical applications of mesenchymal stem cells. The obtained results showed a high potential of mesenchymal stem cells, isolated from different sources in clinical trials (preclinical and clinical). Mesenchymal stem cells have a key role in immunomodulation through secreted factors and cell-cell contact in inflammatory diseases, as well as tissue restoration by homing via adhesion molecules and chemokines in cells that has been destructed due to physiologic or pathologic causes (non-inflammatory and destructive diseases). In addition, it has anticancer features for nanoparticle delivery to tumors and consequently angiogenesis prevention. Despite mentioned points, use of mesenchymal stem cells has some risks such as tumor induction, infection transmission, and ectopic tissue formation in receiving individual. The therapeutic role of mesenchymal stem cells in destructive and autoimmune diseases has been proved. Given challenges in using mesenchymal stem cells in cell therapy and the standards (according to protocols), these cells can be used widely in the future.