Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells: A New

Laura      de Girolamo; Enrico      Lucarelli; Giulio      Alessandri; Maria      Antonietta Avanzini; Maria      Ester Bernardo; Ettore      Biagi; Anna      Teresa Brini; Giovanna      D’Amico; Franca      Fagioli; Ivana      Ferrero; Franco      Locatelli; Rita      Maccario; Mario      Marazzi; Ornella      Parolini; Augusto      Pessina; Maria   Luisa Torre   ; Italian Mesenchymal Stem Cell Group (GISM)

doi:10.2174/1381612811319130015

Abstract

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were first isolated more than 50 years ago from the bone marrow. Currently MSCs may also be isolated from several alternative sources and they have been used in more than a hundred clinical trials worldwide to treat a wide variety of diseases. The MSCs mechanism of action is undefined and currently under investigation. For in vivo purposes MSCs must be produced in compliance with good manufacturing practices and this has stimulated research on MSCs characterization and safety. The objective of this review is to describe recent developments regarding MSCs properties, physiological effects, delivery, clinical applications and possible side effects.

Keywords: Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells, cell therapy, graft versus host disease, immunomodulatory properties, regenerative medicine, advanced therapy medicinal product, transplantation, MSCs sources, clinical trials, clinical applications