SMART cells

**SMART cells** are engineered stem cell-derived cartilage constructs designed for autoregulated anti-inflammatory drug delivery in inflammatory joint disease. The term has been used by researchers at Washington University in St. Louis and collaborating groups to describe **Stem cells Modified for Autonomous Regenerative Therapy**, typically mesenchymal or induced pluripotent stem cell-derived chondrocyte-like cells edited with **CRISPR-Cas9** so that inflammatory signaling activates expression of a therapeutic transgene, most notably **interleukin 1 receptor antagonist**. In the best-described preclinical configuration, the **CCL2** inflammatory response locus is rewired to drive **IL1RN** expression, enabling the implanted cartilage construct to sense inflammation and secrete IL-1Ra on demand while also functioning as a tissue-engineered cartilage implant. This is a **preclinical cell therapy platform** rather than an approved pharmaceutical product, with relevance primarily to **rheumatoid arthritis**, **juvenile idiopathic arthritis**, and potentially other inflammatory musculoskeletal disorders.

Other names

SMART cellsStem cells Modified for Autonomous Regenerative TherapySMART cartilage cells