Autoimmune Conditions

Stem Cell Therapy & Autoimmune Conditions

An autoimmune condition develops when the body’s immune system, which is normally tasked with defending against disease, decides that healthy cells are foreign and dangerous. When this happens, the white cells attack healthy tissue and interfere with normal organ function.

Many autoimmune conditions have similar symptoms, which can make them difficult to diagnose, and these symptoms generally fluctuate between periods of mild and severe intensity. There are more than 80 known types of autoimmune conditions, and the treatment approach for most of these diseases focuses on reducing immune system activity.

How can stem cell therapy help?

Multiple preclinical and clinical studies have been performed (or are ongoing) to explore potential opportunities for stem cells to treat multiple types of autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, Type 1 diabetes and psoriasis, among others.

Preclinical animal studies with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have demonstrated positive immunosuppressive responses in several models (including reduced T-cell activity, increased regulatory T-cells and production of anti-inflammatory cytokines); however, results have not been consistently positive. More work is required to understand these inconsistencies, which will be useful in defining how to maximize therapeutic benefit. Transplantation of MSCs in humans for a variety of conditions has been generally well tolerated, although results have been variable as a function of delivery route, and the variability in potency of cells between donors, tissue sources and culture conditions has been well documented.