Paracrine immunomodulatory effect

The "paracrine immunomodulatory effect" refers to the process by which cells, especially mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs), regulate the immune response of surrounding cells primarily through the secretion of soluble factors such as cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, and extracellular vesicles[1][2][3]. These secreted molecules act locally (paracrine signaling), modulating both innate and adaptive immune cells (e.g., T cells, B cells, NK cells, macrophages, dendritic cells), and can inhibit pro-inflammatory pathways, promote anti-inflammatory pathways, support tissue regeneration, and alter cell differentiation[1][2][3][4]. This phenomenon is an important aspect of how cell therapies function but is not itself a single protein, receptor, or druggable target. Rather, it describes a broad, multifactorial mechanism[1][3][4][5]. Additional context: - The *paracrine immunomodulatory effect* is not specific to one molecule, receptor, enzyme, or protein family; rather, it refers to a mechanism involving multiple molecules and biological processes[2][3]. - Key molecules involved in MSC-mediated paracrine immunomodulation include transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), interleukin-10 (IL-10), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), among others[1][3][4]. - This function is central to the therapeutic potential of MSCs in treating inflammatory, autoimmune, and degenerative diseases, but it does not correspond to a single recognized therapeutic target[1][2][4][5].

Other names

Paracrine immunomodulationParacrine effectParacrine immunoregulatory mechanism