Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell (BM-MSC)

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) are multipotent stromal cells characterized by their ability to adhere to plastic and differentiate into osteoblasts, chondrocytes, and adipocytes (Dominici et al., 2006, Cytotherapy). They function primarily as living therapeutic agents rather than traditional molecular targets, migrating to sites of injury or inflammation where they release a potent secretome of anti-inflammatory cytokines and growth factors (Galipeau & Sensébé, 2018, Nature). This paracrine activity allows BM-MSCs to modulate both innate and adaptive immune responses, making them valuable for treating conditions like graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) and autoimmune disorders (Pittenger et al., 2019, NPJ Regen Med). In clinical development, autologous BM-MSCs are harvested from a patient's own bone marrow, expanded ex vivo, and re-administered to promote tissue regeneration or suppress pathological inflammation (Squillaro et al., 2016, Expert Opin Biol Ther). While they offer significant regenerative potential, therapeutic challenges include ensuring consistent cell potency and monitoring for long-term safety concerns such as ectopic calcification or tumorigenicity.

Other names

Mesenchymal stromal cellMultipotent stromal cellBM-MSCAutologous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell population

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) exert therapeutic effects primarily through paracrine signaling, secreting a variety of cytokines, growth factors, and extracellular vesicles (the secretome) that modulate the immune system and promote endogenous tissue repair (Galipeau & Sensébé, 2018). They can differentiate into mesodermal lineages such as bone, cartilage, and fat, and they suppress the activation and proliferation of T-cells, B-cells, and natural killer cells while promoting the induction of regulatory T-cells (Dominici et al., 2006).