Mesenchymal stem cell surface receptors

Mesenchymal stem cell surface receptors are a diverse set of membrane proteins present on MSCs—cells capable of differentiating into bone, adipose, and cartilage—and known for their regenerative and immunomodulatory properties. The classical markers for MSCs include positive expression of CD105, CD73, and CD90, and lack of hematopoietic and immune markers (CD45, CD34, CD14, CD19, HLA-DR). MSCs also express functional receptors such as integrins, chemokine and cytokine receptors, adhesion molecules (e.g., ICAM-1, VCAM-1), and show tissue-specific variation in marker expression. Their surface repertoire enables them to migrate to injury sites, modulate immune responses, and participate in tissue repair, making them important in clinical applications ranging from graft versus host disease and autoimmune conditions to tissue regeneration. However, "Mesenchymal stem cell surface receptors" refers to a heterogeneous set of targets rather than a single, structurally defined molecule; specificity should be sought by focusing on individual surface receptor identities, their molecular classification, and roles in MSC biology.

Other names

MSC surface markersMSC surface proteinsstromal cell markers

Cell surface receptor engagement to mediate immune suppression (e.g., through ICAM-1, chemokine/cytokine receptors), trophic and paracrine signaling, and cell migration and homing to damaged tissues.