Mesenchymal Stem Cells from the Wharton's Jelly of the Human Umbilical Cord: Biological Properties and Therapeutic Potential
International Journal of Stem Cells
; : 218-226, 2019.
Article
in En
| WPRIM
| ID: wpr-764080
Responsible library:
WPRO
ABSTRACT
Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) are a class of stem cells with high differentiative potential, an immuno-privileged status and easy access for collection, which raise no legal or ethical issues. WJ-MSCs exhibit several features of embryonic stem cells, both in the phenotypic and genetic aspects, with only a few differences, such as a shorter doubling time and a more extensive ex vivo expansion capacity. WJ-MSCs have immunomodulatory properties, involving both innate and adaptive immune responses. This review focuses on the role of WJ-MSCs in the management of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), a life-threatening complication of the allogenic transplantation of hematopoietic stem cells. Different studies documented the beneficial effect of the infusion of WJ-MSCs, even when not fully HLA identical, in patients with severe GvHD, refractory to standard treatment. Finally, we summarized current ongoing clinical trials with WJ-MSCs and their potential in regenerative medicine.
Key words
Full text:
1
Index:
WPRIM
Main subject:
Stem Cells
/
Umbilical Cord
/
Hematopoietic Stem Cells
/
Regenerative Medicine
/
Ethics
/
Embryonic Stem Cells
/
Immunomodulation
/
Wharton Jelly
/
Mesenchymal Stem Cells
/
Graft vs Host Disease
Limits:
Humans
Language:
En
Journal:
International Journal of Stem Cells
Year:
2019
Type:
Article