Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells as a delivery platform in cell and gene therapies.
Regenerative medicine relying on cell and gene therapies is one of the most promising approaches to repair tissues. Multipotent mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC), a population of progenitors committing into mesoderm lineages, are progressively demonstrating therapeutic capabilities far beyond their differentiation capacities. The mechanisms by which MSC exert these actions include the release of biomolecules with anti-inflammatory, immunomodulating, anti-fibrogenic, and trophic functions. While we expect the spectra of these molecules with a therapeutic profile to progressively expand, several human pathological conditions have begun to benefit from these biomolecule-delivering properties. In addition, MSC have also been proposed to vehicle genes capable of further empowering these functions. This review deals with the therapeutic properties of MSC, focusing on their ability to secrete naturally produced or gene-induced factors that can be used in the treatment of kidney, lung, heart, liver, pancreas, nervous system, and skeletal diseases. We specifically focus on the different modalities by which MSC can exert these functions. We aim to provide an updated understanding of these paracrine mechanisms as a prerequisite to broadening the therapeutic potential and clinical impact of MSC.
Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University-Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo 71, 41124, Modena, Italy.
Naomi
N
D'souza
Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University-Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo 71, 41124, Modena, Italy.
Filippo
F
Rossignoli
Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University-Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo 71, 41124, Modena, Italy.
Giulia
G
Golinelli
Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University-Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo 71, 41124, Modena, Italy.
Giulia
G
Grisendi
Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University-Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo 71, 41124, Modena, Italy.
Carlotta
C
Spano
Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University-Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo 71, 41124, Modena, Italy.
Olivia
O
Candini
The Division of Hematology/Oncology/BMT, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Departments of Pediatrics and Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, USA.
Satoru
S
Osturu
Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University-Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo 71, 41124, Modena, Italy.
Fabio
F
Catani
Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University-Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo 71, 41124, Modena, Italy.
Paolo
P
Paolucci
The Division of Hematology/Oncology/BMT, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Departments of Pediatrics and Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, USA.
Edwin M
EM
Horwitz
Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University-Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via del Pozzo 71, 41124, Modena, Italy. massimo.dominici@unimore.it.
Massimo
M
Dominici
D002454:Cell Differentiation; D064987:Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D015316:Genetic Therapy; D006801:Humans; D059630:Mesenchymal Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D039902:Multipotent Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D044968:Regenerative Medicine / Q000379:methods*; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology