Mechanisms of immunomodulation by mesenchymal stem cells.
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been identified in animals, especially in bone marrow. As stem cells, they have the ability to differentiate into multiple cell types. This potential raises exciting therapeutic possibilities. A recent report described the successful use of MSCs for the treatment of graft-versus-host disease; however, the scientific community has yet to define the molecular mechanisms of immunomodulation by MSCs. This review summarizes what is known and discusses the conflicting data with regard to the mechanisms of immunomodulation by MSCs.
Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan.
Katsutoshi
K
Ozaki
Kazuya
K
Sato
Iekuni
I
Oh
Akiko
A
Meguro
Raine
R
Tatara
Kazuo
K
Muroi
Keiya
K
Ozawa
D006086:Graft vs Host Disease / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000378:metabolism*; D059630:Mesenchymal Stem Cells / Q000276:immunology*; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000276:immunology*
D007155:Immunologic Factors; D009569:Nitric Oxide