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Mesenchymal stem cell therapy: Two steps forward, one step back
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Mesenchymal stem cell therapy: Two steps forward, one step back

James Ankrum and Jeffrey M Karp
Trends in molecular medicine, Vol.16(5), pp.203-209
05/2010
DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2010.02.005
PMCID: PMC2881950
PMID: 20335067
url
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molmed.2010.02.005View
Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy is poised to establish a new clinical paradigm; however, recent trials have produced mixed results. Although MSC were originally considered to treat connective tissue defects, preclinical studies revealed potent immunomodulatory properties that prompted the use of MSC to treat numerous inflammatory conditions. Unfortunately, although clinical trials have met safety endpoints, efficacy has not been demonstrated. We believe the challenge to demonstrate efficacy can be attributed in part to an incomplete understanding of the fate of MSC following infusion. Here, we highlight the clinical status of MSC therapy and discuss the importance of cell-tracking techniques, which have advanced our understanding of the fate and function of systemically infused MSC and might improve clinical application.
Mesenchymal Stromal Cells - cytology Animals Humans Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation Mesenchymal Stromal Cells - physiology

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