Ecto-mesenchymal stem cells: a new player for immune regulation and cell therapy

摘要

Extensive studies have demonstrated that mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)are multipotent mesoderm-derived stromal cells that can differentiate into a variety of cell types,including adipocytes,osteoblasts,chondrocytes,myocytes and neuronal cells.1 MSCs are found in numerous organs and tissues,including bone marrow,heart,lung,muscle,peripheral blood,adipose tissue,cartilage,synovium,dental pulp,tonsil,umbilical cord,placenta,thymus and olfactory mucosa.1 MSCs have been shown to possess potent immunosuppressive functions and tissue repair capacities,which have facilitated the clinical applications of MSCs in treating a diverse range of disorders involving angiogenesis and fibrosis,including rheumatic diseases and graft-versus-host diseases.2,3 Here,we provide a brief commentary on newly emerging evidence of the immunoregulatory function and potential application of ecto-mesenchymal stem cells.