title: Mesenchymal stem cells.
abstract: Mesenchymal Stem cells (MSCs) are stromal cells that can be readily harvested from adult bone marrow and adipose tissue, but also umbilical cords. With respect to respiratory disease, the therapeutic potential of these cells lies in their paracrine effects which underlie their ability to enhance tissue regeneration and modulate immune responses. MSCs have been shown to be effective in a range of murine models of respiratory disease, and there are currently five clinical trials involving the administration of MSCs for respiratory diseases, including COPD and emphysema. This paper summarises the features of MSCs.
authors.affiliation: Leukocyte Biology Section, NHLI Division, SAF, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, Exhibition Rd, London SW72AZ, UK. s.rankin@imperial.ac.uk
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rankin
mesh_terms: D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000276:immunology; D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D001854:Bone Marrow Cells / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D045164:Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation; D059630:Mesenchymal Stem Cells / Q000276:immunology*; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000276:immunology / Q000601:surgery*; D011656:Pulmonary Emphysema / Q000276:immunology / Q000601:surgery*; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014470:Umbilical Cord / Q000276:immunology