Immune system modulation by mesenchymal stem cell (MSC-mediated immunomodulation (commonly referred to as MSC immunomodulation))

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells modulate the immune system through both direct interactions with immune cells and secretion of soluble factors. They migrate to sites of inflammation via chemokine gradients produced by damaged tissues. Once at the site of injury or inflammation, they suppress excessive immune responses by inhibiting T-cell proliferation and activation while promoting regulatory T-cell expansion. They also influence other immune populations including B-cells natural killer cells dendritic cells macrophages through paracrine signaling direct contact. Their immunomodulatory effects are exploited for treating autoimmune inflammatory diseases graft-versus-host disease sepsis organ transplantation rejection among others. The precise mechanisms involve complex interplay between secreted cytokines chemokines growth factors extracellular vesicles exosomes adhesion molecules receptors on both MSCs target immune cells.

Other names

Mesenchymal stromal cell immunomodulationMesenchymal stem cell immune regulationMSC-based immune therapyImmunosuppression by MSCs

Secretion of soluble factors: cytokines such as IL-6, IL-10, TGF-β; chemokines such as CCL2/5; growth factors such as VEGF and IGF-1; Direct cell-cell contact: interaction with T cells, B cells, NK cells, dendritic cells via adhesion molecules and receptors; Induction of regulatory T cell expansion; Inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokine production; Promotion of anti-inflammatory macrophage polarization; Suppression of antigen-presenting cell maturation.