Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) represent suitable candidates for
regenerative medicine purposes given their ability to differentiate in several cellular
lineages, to migrate to site of injury, to secrete soluble factors crucial for cell survival
and proliferation, as well as to modulate immune response. Although the exact
mechanisms of action are still under investigation, several MSC- based clinical trials
developed for various diseases, including organ injuries, systemic diseases, chronic
inflammatory and autoimmune pathologies are ongoing. Recently, the possibility of
using less immunogenic and more specific MSC by-products (i.e. microvesicles and
exosomes) to overcome MSC transplantation criticisms and side effects is currently
under consideration.
Keywords: Acute Kidney Injury, Alzheimer’s disease, Amyotrophic Lateral
Sclerosis, Cell-free therapy, Exosomes, Extracellular vesicles (EVs), Genetic
engineering, Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs), Microvesicles, Multiple sclerosis,
Myocardial Infarction, MSC Clinical Trials, Neurodegenerative diseases,
Osteoarthritis, Osteogenesis Imperfecta, Paracrine effects, Parkinson’s disease,
Regenerative medicine, Stem cell therapy, Wound Healing.
