Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell (ASC)

Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) are multipotent progenitor cells harvested from adipose tissue that possess the capacity for self-renewal and multilineage differentiation. Unlike specific molecular targets such as receptors or enzymes, ASCs function as complex biological therapeutic agents that promote tissue regeneration and immunomodulation. They are characterized by a specific surface marker profile, including the expression of CD73, CD90, and CD105, and the absence of hematopoietic markers like CD45. Their therapeutic efficacy is largely attributed to their robust secretome, which releases bioactive molecules that reduce inflammation and promote vascularization in damaged tissues. ASCs are currently being investigated in numerous clinical trials for treating conditions ranging from chronic cutaneous wounds and osteoarthritis to ischemic heart disease and Crohn's disease-related fistulas. However, as a cell-based therapy rather than a discrete molecule, they present unique challenges regarding pharmacological characterization, long-term safety monitoring, and manufacturing consistency (Zuk et al., 2002, Tissue Engineering; Si et al., 2019, Stem Cell Research & Therapy).

Other names

Adipose-derived stromal cellAdipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cellADSCAdipose-derived regenerative cellADRC

Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells facilitate regeneration through two primary mechanisms: direct differentiation into specific cell lineages (such as osteoblasts, chondrocytes, or myocytes) and the secretion of paracrine factors. The secretome, which includes growth factors like VEGF and HGF, cytokines, and extracellular vesicles, modulates the local microenvironment to suppress inflammation, prevent apoptosis, and stimulate endogenous repair mechanisms and angiogenesis (Mazini et al., 2019, PubMed).