Mesenchymal stem cells: biological properties and clinical applications.
BACKGROUND
In the last decade, knowledge of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has evolved rapidly; their immunomodulatory properties and paracrine interactions with specific cell types in damaged tissues and promising results in some clinical applications have made these cells an attractive option for the treatment of certain diseases.


METHODS
We present some relevant methodological issues and biological properties of MSCs, as well as clinical applications of MSC therapies with particular emphasis in the treatment of graft versus host disease (GVHD), complex perianal fistula and refractory metastatic neuroblastoma. Other topical aspects relevant to the application of cellular therapies such as biosafety studies and cellular production of MSCs are also discussed in this review.


RESULTS
The growing optimism regarding MSCs research is based on the promising results obtained in in vitro and in vivo studies. The rapid translational research with MSCs necessitated standardization of methodology and terminology and greater focus on other aspects such as biosafety and cellular production, especially for clinical use of MSCs.


CONCLUSIONS
Much has been learned about the biology and applications of MSCs and much remains to be learned.
García-Gómez
Ignacio
I
Autonoma University-La Paz University Hospital (idiPAZ), Laboratory of Cell Therapy, Madrid, Spain.
Elvira
Gema
G
Zapata
Agustín G
AG
Lamana
María L
ML
Ramírez
Manuel
M
Castro
Javier García
JG
Arranz
Mariano García
MG
Vicente
Angeles
A
Bueren
Juan
J
García-Olmo
Damián
D
D000818:Animals; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D015316:Genetic Therapy; D006086:Graft vs Host Disease / Q000276:immunology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D045164:Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects; D059630:Mesenchymal Stem Cells / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology*; D009447:Neuroblastoma / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D012003:Rectal Fistula / Q000601:surgery; D014945:Wound Healing