| Summary: | Mesenchymal stem cells represent an adult population ofnonhematopoietic cells, which can differentiate into a variety of celltypes such as osteocytes, chondrocytes, adipocytes, and myocytes.They display immunomodulatory properties that have led to theconsideration of their use for the inhibition of immune responses. Inthis context, mesenchymal stem cells efficiently inhibit maturation,cytokine production, and the T cell stimulatory capacity of dendriticcells. They also can impair proliferation, cytokine secretion, andcytotoxic potential of T lymphocytes. Moreover, mesenchymal stem cells are able to inhibit the differentiation of B cells to plasma cells by inhibiting their capacity to produce antibodies. A variety of animal models confirm the immunomodulatory properties of mesenchymal stem cells. Clinical studies including patients withsevere acute graft-versus-host disease have revealed that theadministration of mesenchymal stem cells results in significantclinical responses. Therefore, mesenchymal stem cells improve acutegraft-versus-host disease and represent a promising candidate for theprevention and treatment of immune-mediated diseases, due to theirimmunomodulatory capability and their low immunogenicity.
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