Immunomodulation by stromal cells

Immunomodulation by stromal cells refers to the process by which mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), including those derived from bone marrow, umbilical cord, and adipose tissue, influence immune responses through mechanisms such as secretion of immunoregulatory cytokines, release of extracellular vesicles, and direct cell-to-cell contact. These actions can suppress inflammatory and immune responses, promote regulatory immune cell populations, and are being explored therapeutically in a wide range of inflammatory, autoimmune, and transplant-related diseases. However, 'immunomodulation by stromal cells' is not a molecular target but a cellular function and therapeutic strategy. MSC immunomodulatory activity is highly context-dependent and influenced by the tissue origin and state of the stromal cells[1][2][3][4][5].

Other names

MSC immunomodulationMesenchymal stromal cell-mediated immunomodulationMSCs and immune regulation

Paracrine cytokine secretion (e.g., TGF-β1, PGE2, IL-10, IDO); Direct cell-to-cell contact (e.g., via PD-L1/PD-L2 expression); Release of extracellular vesicles with immunoregulatory proteins and RNAs