Immune system modulation via paracrine signaling and cytokine secretion by mesenchymal stem cells (MSC Immunomodulation)

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) modulate the immune system through paracrine signaling and cytokine secretion. MSCs secrete a broad array of bioactive molecules that act locally or systemically to regulate immune responses. These include anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10, TGF-β, PGE2, HGF, NO, and IDO. MSCs can sense the inflammatory status within tissues and secrete immunosuppressive factors to dampen tissue damage or promote pro-inflammatory signals for host defense. The main therapeutic benefit observed in preclinical/clinical studies arises from these paracrine effects rather than direct differentiation into target tissues. Applications include treatment for graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis or multiple sclerosis, tissue repair/regeneration after injury—including cartilage repair in osteoarthritis—and modulation following organ transplantation.

Other names

Mesenchymal Stem Cell ImmunomodulationMSC-mediated ImmunomodulationMSC Paracrine SignalingMSC Cytokine SecretionMesenchymal stromal cell immunomodulation

Paracrine signaling via secretion of cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, and extracellular vesicles that modulate the function of immune cells such as T cells, B cells, NK cells, macrophages, dendritic cells, and neutrophils.