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Plasticity of mesenchymal stem cells in immunomodulation: pathological and therapeutic implications

Abstract

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stromal cells that exist in many tissues and are capable of differentiating into several different cell types. Exogenously administered MSCs migrate to damaged tissue sites, where they participate in tissue repair. Their communication with the inflammatory microenvironment is an essential part of this process. In recent years, much has been learned about the cellular and molecular mechanisms of the interaction between MSCs and various participants in inflammation. Depending on their type and intensity, inflammatory stimuli confer on MSCs the ability to suppress the immune response in some cases or to enhance it in others. Here we review the current findings on the immunoregulatory plasticity of MSCs in disease pathogenesis and therapy.

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Figure 1: Modes of MSC-based therapy: cell replacement versus cell 'empowerment'.
Figure 2: Plasticity of MSCs in immunomodulation.
Figure 3: Timeline for major events in studies of the immunosuppressive effects of MSCs.
Figure 4: Correlation between inflammatory status and efficacy of MSC therapy.

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Acknowledgements

We thank A. Roberts, A. Rabson and G. Brewer for critically reviewing and discussing the manuscript. Supported by the Scientific Innovation Project of the Chinese Academy of Science (XDA01040107 and XDA01040110) and the Ministry of Science and Technology of China (2010CB945600).

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Correspondence to Yufang Shi.

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Wang, Y., Chen, X., Cao, W. et al. Plasticity of mesenchymal stem cells in immunomodulation: pathological and therapeutic implications. Nat Immunol 15, 1009–1016 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1038/ni.3002

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