Interactions between mesenchymal stem cells and the immune system

Cell Mol Life Sci. 2017 Jul;74(13):2345-2360. doi: 10.1007/s00018-017-2473-5. Epub 2017 Feb 18.

Abstract

In addition to being multi-potent, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) possess immunomodulatory functions that have been investigated as potential treatments in various immune disorders. MSCs can robustly interact with cells of the innate and adaptive immune systems, either through direct cell-cell contact or through their secretome. In this review, we discuss current findings regarding the interplay between MSCs and different immune cell subsets. We also draw attention to the mechanisms involved.

Keywords: Immune regulation; Inflammation; Mesenchymal stem cell; Plasticity.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Immune System / metabolism*
  • Immunomodulation
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / cytology
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / metabolism*
  • Models, Biological