Stem Cell Therapy for Autoimmune Diseases

Dear Colleagues,

Currently, approximately 3–5% of the worldwide population is affected by autoimmune diseases (ADs), comprising over 150 different types, and both statistics are still increasing. Within the multifactorial etiology of chronic and self-perpetuating ADs with prominent inflammation, failure of self-tolerance and aberrant immune regulation seem to be especially deleterious. Thus, the basic therapeutic goal in ADs is to achieve immune homeostasis, i.e., the state of dynamic equilibrium, a balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory responses. Though treatment strategies have improved upon significant knowledge of AD pathogenesis, in some patients (mainly with refractory diseases) traditionally used immunosuppressive drugs fail to prevent relapses. Further, in parallel with long-term administration, harmful adverse effects, such as a higher risk of infection and increased tumor susceptibility, may occur. Therefore, as part of personalized medicine in ADs, the development of more specific and tolerable therapeutic options is required. Over the last 20 years, stem cell (SC) therapy (in forms of allogeneic or autologous hematopoietic (HSCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)) has been considered to be a promising alternative approach. Besides repairing damaged tissues, SCs have the unique ability to modulate the immune system extensively in terms of immune reconstitution and overcoming the impaired self-tolerance status. In addition, MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (secretomes) play an important role in the regulation of innate and adaptive immune reactions as well. Upon these activities, SCs could serve as ideal therapeutic agents with the capacity to provide long-lasting, sustained protection from autoimmunity. However, in human ADs, most SC treatment methods are still in early phases, so further studies are required for an expected widespread clinical application. The purpose of this Special Issue is to discuss current trends of different stem cell-based therapy options in ADs, including their advantages, disadvantages, and obstacles, from a broad perspective of basic research and clinical practice.

Dr. Györgyi Műzes
Dr. Ferenc Sipos
Guest Editors

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