Therapeutic Applications of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells for Regenerative Medicine

Dear Colleagues,

Mesenchymal Stromal cells (MSCs) represent an unlimited source for cell therapy, and considerable efforts have been made to introduce this advanced cell-based therapy into clinical practice. MSCs have been established as promising candidate sources for cell therapy due to their contributions to tissue and organ homeostasis and repair and support by self-renewal and multi-differentiation, as well as by their anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, immunomodulatory, trophic, and pro-angiogenic properties. Various diseases have been successfully treated by MSCs in animal models and hundreds of clinical trials related to the potential benefits of MSCs are in progress or have concluded satisfactorily. In this regard, MSCs have been used to treat several pathologies such as autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases among others. Interestingly, the regenerative, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory properties of MSCs can reduce the manifestation of cytokine storms and can restore acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), exhibiting an important option to be applied to critical COVID-19 patients.

However, although all MSCs are considered suitable to exert these functions, dissimilarities have been found among MSCs derived from different tissues. The same levels of efficacy and desired outcomes have not always been achieved in the diverse studies that have been performed thus far. Therefore, collecting information regarding the characteristics of MSCs obtained from different sources and the influence of other medical and physiological conditions on MSCs is important for assuring the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of cell-based therapies.

Improvements in personalized cell production in a cost-effective, safe and effective manner, a correct diagnosis, clinical prognosis and well-defined patient profile, and the correct route of administration will undoubtedly improve this advanced cellular medicine therapy. Therefore, the aim of this Special Issue is to address the relevant and recent advances in MSC-based therapies, to identify pitfalls, and to consider relevant factors for the clinical application of MSCs.

Dr. Abdelkrim Hmadcha
Guest Editor

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