Mesenchymal Stem Cell Mediated Immuno-Modulatory and Anti-Inflammatory Mechanisms in Immune and Allergic Disorders.

AIM: To discuss and present current status of MSCs immuno-modulatory properties.

BACKGROUND: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are present in almost all the tissues of the body and act as backbone of the internal tissue homeostasis. Among their various characteristic features, immuno-modulatory and/ anti-inflammatory properties play an important role in therapeutics.

OBJECTIVE: The current topic focuses on characterization and immuno-modulatory and/ anti-inflammatory properties of MSCs.

METHOD: Available literature on MSCs properties and patents have been detailed, critically interpreted and discussed based upon available literature. The main focus has been on their characteristic immuno-modulatory and /or anti-inflammatory properties though some of the basic characterization markers have also been detailed. The databases searched for the literature includes PubMed, Med line, PubMed Central, Science Direct and few other scientific databases.

RESULTS: MSCs are present in very limited concentration in the tissues, and as such their culture expansion becomes imperative and is well established. MSCs immuno-modulatory and anti-inflammatory role is achieved through the direct cell-cell contact and/ by the release of certain factors. Such properties are controlled by micro-environment upon which currently very limited control can be exerted. Besides, further incites in the xeno-protein free culture media as against the fetal bovine serum is required.

CONCLUSIONS: MSCs have been well isolated, cultured and characterized form numerous tissues of the body. Majority of the studies show MSCs as immuno-compromised with immuno-modulatory and/ or anti-inflammatory properties except some of the latest studies that have failed to achieve the desired results and thus, demands further research. Further research is required in the area to translate the results into clinical application.