Immune and inflammatory cells via paracrine factors and cell–cell contact

The phrase 'Immune and inflammatory cells via paracrine factors and cell–cell contact' describes a complex biological mechanism rather than a single molecular target. This process is most prominently associated with Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs), which modulate the activity of various immune cells—including T cells, B cells, and macrophages—to promote an anti-inflammatory environment (Wang et al., 2014, Nature Immunology). MSCs exert these effects through the secretion of paracrine factors such as indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), as well as through direct cell-to-cell contact mediated by molecules like PD-L1 and FasL (Galipeau & Sensébé, 2018, Nature Biomedical Engineering). This multifaceted interaction is a primary therapeutic rationale for using cell-based therapies in treating Graft-versus-Host Disease (GvHD) and other autoimmune conditions (Bernardo & Fibbe, 2013, Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences). Because it encompasses a broad array of signaling pathways and multiple cell types, it is classified as a therapeutic mechanism of action rather than a discrete pharmacological target.

Other names

Mesenchymal stem cell immunomodulationMSC-mediated immunosuppressionParacrine and juxtacrine immune regulation

Modulation of the immune microenvironment through the secretion of soluble anti-inflammatory factors and direct physical interaction with immune cell surface receptors.