7 Fernando Figueroa N45-3.indd

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are now known to display not only stem cell multipotency, but also robust antiinfl ammatory and regenerative properties. After widespread in-vitro and in-vivo preclinical testing, autologous and allogeneic MSCs have been applied in a range of immune mediated conditions, including graft versus host disease, Crohn ́s disease, multiple sclerosis, refractory systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic sclerosis. Current data suggests that MSCs may not only replace diseased tissues, but also exert several trophic, regenerative and antiinfl ammatory eff ects. While the clinical outcome in case reports and phase I-II trials seems occasionally striking, these limited results point to the need to perform controlled multicenter trials. Future advances from stem cell science can be expected to pinpoint signifi cant MSC subpopulations and/or stem cell markers for improved regenerative or immunoregulatory properties.