Overview of stem cell therapy for Crohn's disease.
BACKGROUND
Crohn's disease (CD) therapy is rapidly evolving. Recent and ongoing clinical trials using immunologically active stem cells (SC) for the treatment of CD demonstrate the potential for this novel therapy to induce complete and long-lasting remission of symptoms in settings where 'standard' therapies have been unsuccessful.


OBJECTIVE
This review of SC, including mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy for CD discusses how the immunological effects of MSC may correct some of the pathophysiological defects underpinning CD, and examines the latest clinical trial data providing evidence of their efficacy in the treatment of Crohn's disease.


CONCLUSIONS
Given the beneficial effects on mucosal healing seen in animal models of inflammation and results from early clinical trials, MSC may serve as a candidate therapy for patients who have failed to respond to biological therapy.
Dryden
Gerald Wayne
GW
University of Louisville, Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, 550 South Jackson Street, Louisville, KY 40202, USA. tad.dryden@louisville.edu
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003424:Crohn Disease / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D045164:Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal