Immunomodulation via mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC-mediated immunomodulation)

“Immunomodulation via mesenchymal stromal/stem cells” refers to the ability of **mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs)** or **mesenchymal stem cells** to modulate immune responses through a combination of direct cell contact and secretion of soluble factors such as cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, and extracellular vesicles[2][3][4][5]. MSCs exert broad effects on both innate and adaptive immunity, suppressing excessive immune reactions and, in some contexts, promoting immune tolerance. Key immunomodulatory mechanisms include inhibition or reprogramming of T cells, B cells, dendritic cells, macrophages, and natural killer cells through the secretion of immune-active molecules (e.g., IL-10, TGF-β, PGE2, IL-6), induction of regulatory phenotypes (like M2 macrophages and regulatory T cells/B cells), and modulation of inflammatory cytokine environments[1][2][3][4][5]. Although MSC-based immunomodulation is intensely studied and in clinical trials for treating conditions such as refractory inflammatory, autoimmune, and infectious diseases (including COVID-19, systemic lupus erythematosus, Crohn’s disease, and graft-versus-host disease), **immunomodulation itself is a property or function, not a molecular target (receptor, enzyme, etc.)**[2][3][4][5]. Therefore, as named, this entry does not correspond to a specific biomolecule or druggable therapeutic target but to a cell-based therapeutic modality; this makes the entry inappropriate for use as a canonical therapeutic target and likely to cause downstream data structuring issues. Common safety and therapeutic challenges include heterogeneity of MSC preparations, variable efficacy, potential unwanted immunosuppression, and risks of tumorigenesis/cancer development in some settings[1][2][3]. No specific drugs, drug mechanisms, or biomarkers directly "target" this process, as the immunomodulatory activity arises from the collective action of a live cell therapy, not a single molecule[3][5].

Other names

Mesenchymal stem cell immunomodulationMSC immunomodulationImmunomodulation by MSCMSC-mediated immune modulation