Mesenchymal Stem Cells from the Wharton's Jelly of the Human Umbilical Cord: Biological Properties and Therapeutic Potential
- Author:
Luigi MARINO
1
;
Maria Antonietta CASTALDI
;
Rosa ROSAMILIO
;
Enrico RAGNI
;
Rosa VITOLO
;
Caterina FULGIONE
;
Salvatore Giovanni CASTALDI
;
Bianca SERIO
;
Rosario BIANCO
;
Maurizio GUIDA
;
Carmine SELLERI
Author Information
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords: WJ-MSCs; Immunomodulation; GvHD; Mesenchymal stem cells; Human umbilical cord blood
- MeSH: Embryonic Stem Cells; Ethics; Graft vs Host Disease; Hematopoietic Stem Cells; Humans; Immunomodulation; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells; Regenerative Medicine; Stem Cells; Umbilical Cord; Wharton Jelly
- From:International Journal of Stem Cells 2019;12(2):218-226
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- 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.
