Mesenchymal stem cells and haematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
The bone marrow serves as a reservoir for different classes of stem cells. In addition to haemopoietic stem cells, the bone marrow comprises a population of marrow stromal cells or mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). These cells exhibit multilineage differentiation capacity, and are able to generate progenitors with restricted developmental potential, including fibroblasts, osteoblasts, adipocytes and chondrocyte progenitors. In addition, MSCs have been shown to possess immunosuppressive activity in vitro and in vivo. Clinical trials are underway to test whether MSCs are beneficial in patients undergoing allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. With the expanding role of stem cell transplants in different areas of medicine, including cardiology and orthopaedics, MSCs may become very important in the next few years.
Bacigalupo
Andrea
A
Divisione Ematologia, Ospedale San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy. apbacigalupo@smartino.ge.it
D000818:Animals; D001854:Bone Marrow Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology; D016026:Bone Marrow Transplantation; D018380:Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D045164:Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome