Stem cell transplantation and mesenchymal cells to treat autoimmune diseases

Chimeric Cell Therapies as a Novel Approach for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) and Muscle Regeneration

Chimerism-based strategies represent a pioneering concept which has led to groundbreaking advancements in regenerative medicine and transplantation. This new approach offers therapeutic potential for the treatment of various diseases, including inherited disorders. The ongoing studies on chimeric cells prompted the development of Dystrophin-Expressing Chimeric (DEC) cells which were introduced as a potential therapy for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). DMD is a genetic condition that leads to premature death in adolescent boys and remains incurable with current methods. DEC therapy, created via the fusion of human myoblasts derived from normal and DMD-affected donors, has proven to be safe and efficacious when tested in experimental models of DMD after systemic-intraosseous administration. These studies confirmed increased dystrophin expression, which correlated with functional and morphological improvements in DMD-affected muscles, including cardiac, respiratory, and skeletal muscles. Furthermore, the application of DEC therapy in a clinical study confirmed its long-term safety and efficacy in DMD patients. This review summarizes the development of chimeric cell technology tested in preclinical models and clinical studies, highlighting the potential of DEC therapy in muscle regeneration and repair, and introduces chimeric cell-based therapies as a promising, novel approach for muscle regeneration and the treatment of DMD and other neuromuscular disorders.

Autologous Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Transplantation in Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

INTRODUCTION

In 1995, the use of autologous hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (AHSCT), which was previously used to treat hematological tumors, was introduced for severe autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). AHSCT has proven its safety over the past few years due to technical advances and careful patient selection in transplant centers. While most studies have reported that AHSCT led to decreased Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores, some patients reported increased EDSS scores following the procedure. Given the contradictory results, we aimed to conduct a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the efficacy and safety of AHSCT.

METHODS

PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched in March 2022 using a predefined search strategy. We included cohort studies, clinical trials, case-control studies, and case series that investigated the efficacy or safety of AHSCT in patients with MS. PICO in the present study was defined as follows: problem or study population (P): patients with MS; intervention (I): AHSCT; comparison (C): none; outcome (O): efficacy and safety.

RESULTS

After a two-step review process, 50 studies with a total of 4831 patients with MS were included in our study. Our analysis showed a significant decrease in EDSS score after treatment (standardized mean difference [SMD]: -0.48, 95% CI -0.75, -0.22). Moreover, the annualized relapse rate was also significantly reduced after AHSCT compared to the pretreatment period (SMD: -1.58, 95% CI -2.34, -0.78). The pooled estimate of progression-free survival after treatment was 73% (95% CI 69%, 77). Furthermore, 81% of patients with MS who received AHSCT remained relapse-free (95% CI 76%, 86%). Investigating event-free survival, which reflects the absence of any disease-related event, showed a pooled estimate of 63% (95% CI 54%, 73%). Also, the MRI activity-free survival was 89% (95% CI 84%) among included studies with low heterogeneity. New MRI lesions seem to appear in nearly 8% of patients who underwent AHSCT (95% CI 4%, 12%). Our meta-analysis showed that 68% of patients with MS experience no evidence of disease activity (NEDA) after AHSCT (95% CI 59%, 77). The overall survival after transplantation was 94% (95% CI 91%, 96%). In addition, 4% of patients died from transplant-related causes (95% CI 2%, 6%).

CONCLUSION

Current data encourages a broader application of AHSCT for treating patients with MS while still considering proper patient selection and transplant methods. In addition, with increasing knowledge and expertise in the field of stem-cell therapy, AHSCT has become a safer treatment approach for MS.

Investigating the safety and efficacy of hematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cell transplantation for treatment of T1DM: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Stem cell transplantation (SCT) has paved the way for treatment of autoimmune diseases. SCT has been investigated in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) as an autoimmune-based disorder, but previous studies have not presented a comprehensive view of its effect on treatment of T1DM.

METHODOLOGY

After registration of the present systematic review and meta-analysis in the PROSPERO, a search was done according to the Cochrane guidelines for evaluation of clinical trials to find eligible clinical trials that investigated the effect of SCT on T1DM (based on ADA® diagnostic criteria) from PubMed, Web of science, Scopus, etc, as well as registries of clinical trials from January 1, 2000, to September 31, 2019. A search strategy was designed using MeSH and EM-tree terms. Primary outcome included the changes in the insulin total daily dose (TDD) (U/kg) level, and secondary outcomes included the changes in the HbA1c, c-peptide, and adjusted HbA1c levels. The Q Cochrane test and I² statistic were performed to assess the heterogeneity and its severity in primary clinical trials. The Cochrane ROB was used to determine risk of bias, and Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions was used in the full text papers. The meta-analysis was accomplished in the STATA software, and the results were shown on their forest plots. Confounders were evaluated by the meta-regression test.

RESULTS

A total of 9452 studies were electronically screened, and 35 papers were included for data extraction. The results of this review study showed that 173 (26.5%) diabetic patients experienced insulin-free period (from 1 to 80 months), and 445 (68%) showed reduction in TDD of insulin after the SCT. Combination of hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) with mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation were significantly associated with improvement of the TDD (SMD: - 0.586, 95% CI: - 1.204/- 0.509, I²: 0%), HbA1c (SMD: - 0.736, 95% CI: - 1.107/- 0.365, I²: 0%), adjusted HbA1c (SMD: - 2.041, 95% CI: - 2.648/- 1.434, I²: 38.4%), and c-peptide (SMD: 1.917, 95% CI: 0.192/3.641, I²: 92.5%) on month 3 of follow-up, while its association had a growing trend from 3 to 12 months after the transplantation. Considering severe adverse events, HSC transplantation accompanied with conditioning could not be suggested as a safe treatment.

CONCLUSION

Most of the clinical trials of SCT in T1DM were single arm. Although meta-analysis illustrated the SCT is associated with T1DM improvement, well-designed randomized clinical trials are needed to clarify its efficacy.

RECOMMENDATION

Based on the results of this meta-analysis, the MSC and its combination with HSC could be considered as "Safe Cell" for SCT in T1DM. Furthermore, to evaluate the SCT efficacy, calculation of insulin TDD (U/kg/day), AUC of c-peptide, and adjusted HbA1c are highly recommended.

Labial gland-derived mesenchymal stem cells and their exosomes ameliorate murine Sjögren's syndrome by modulating the balance of Treg and Th17 cells

Background

Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is a chronic, systemic autoimmune disorder characterized by sicca syndrome and/or systemic manifestations. The disease severely affects the health and life of patients, and the treatment of SS has always been a clinical challenge and essentially palliative. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been reported to exert immunomodulatory effects and as a potential novel therapeutic strategy for SS. Labial gland-derived MSCs (LGMSCs) are a population of resident stem cells in the labial gland, first isolated by our group. Exosomes released by MSCs contain a large variety of bioactive molecules and considered to function as an extension of MSCs.

Methods

LGMSCs were isolated from patients who were needed surgery to remove the lip mucocele and LGMSCs derived exosomes (LGMSC-Exos) were isolated by ultracentrifugation. The non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice were treated with LGMSCs or LGMSC-Exos by tail vein injection. The saliva flow rate of mice was determined and salivary glands were dissected and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. In vitro, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from SS patients were cocultured with LGMSCs or LGMSC-Exos. Percentage of T helper 17 (Th17) cells and regulatory T (Treg) cells were determined by flow cytometry. The serum levels of cytokines in NOD mice and in the supernatant of the co-culture system by ELISA.

Results

Treatment with LGMSCs or LGMSC-Exos reduced inflammatory infiltration in the salivary glands, and restored salivary gland secretory function in NOD mice. Importantly, LGMSCs or LGMSC-Exos were demonstrated to inhibit the differentiation of Th17 cells but promote the induction of Treg cells in NOD mice and PBMCs from SS patients in vitro, accompanied by reduced interleukin 17 (IL-17), interferon gamma, and IL-6 levels and enhanced transforming growth factor beta and IL-10 secretion by T cells.

Conclusions

LGMSCs are potential candidates for MSCs-based therapy and LGMSC-Exos might be utilized for establishing a new cell-free therapy against SS.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-021-02541-0.

Human mesenchymal stem cells for the management of systemic sclerosis. Systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Sistemic Sclerosis (SSc) is a heterogeneous autoimmune disease with a high rate of progression and therapeutic failure, and treatment is a challenge, new therapeutic proposals being needed, being mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) considered as alternative therapy for SSc for its immunomodulatory capacity. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of human MSC (hMSC) in patients with SSc through a systematic literature review (SLR).

METHODS

SLR (PRISMA guideline) on MEDLINE/OVID, LILACS, EMBASE, and Cochrane/OVID bases (until July 2020, without limits). All types of clinical studies were considered: patients ≥18 years old with SSc and treatment with hMSC.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA

animal models, autologous/allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplants, narrative reviews, letters to the editor. MeSH and "Key word" terms were used. The level of evidence and the quality rating were rated [Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) lists]. Registration in PROSPERO repository (ID CRD42020185245) The Synthesis Without Meta-analysis (SWiM) guideline was followed.

RESULTS

We initially identified 508 articles, of which 11 were finally included (8 case series and 3 case reports). The 11 articles included 101 patients (85 female, age range 18-75 years). The level of evidence was mostly 4 (JBI); the quality of evidence was met (≥50% of JBI items). SWiM showed that vascular skin involvement (digital ulcers, necrosis, and gangrene) and associated pain were the predominant outcomes, while improvements were found in almost all cases. One patient died in the first month, and the frequency of complications was low. Expanded hMSCs were used in 24 patients and other cell sources in the remaining patients.

CONCLUSION

There is too little reported data to reach definite conclusions about the use of hMSC in SSc. Further studies with better epidemiological designs are needed to evaluate the benefit of hMSCs in SSc patients.

Mesenchymal stem cells as living anti-inflammatory therapy for COVID-19 related acute respiratory distress syndrome

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a pandemic disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2), is growing at an exponential rate worldwide. Manifestations of this disease are heterogeneous; however, advanced cases often exhibit various acute respiratory distress syndrome-like symptoms, systemic inflammatory reactions, coagulopathy, and organ involvements. A common theme in advanced COVID-19 is unrestrained immune activation, classically referred to as a “cytokine storm”, as well as deficiencies in immune regulatory mechanisms such as T regulatory cells. While mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) themselves are objects of cytokine regulation, they can secrete cytokines to modulate immune cells by inducing anti-inflammatory regulatory Treg cells, macrophages and neutrophils; and by reducing the activation of T and B cells, dendritic and nature killer cells. Consequently, they have therapeutic potential for treating severe cases of COVID-19. Here we discuss the unique ability of MSCs, to act as a “living anti-inflammatory”, which can “rebalance” the cytokine/immune responses to restore equilibrium. We also discuss current MSC trials and present different concepts for optimization of MSC therapy in patients with COVID-19 acute respiratory distress syndrome. 

Potential methods for improving the efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are a group of chronic recurrent gastrointestinal inflammatory diseases, including ulcerative colitis (UC), Crohn's disease (CD) and IBD unclassified. The pathogenesis may be related to the mucosal immune dysfunction in genetically susceptible hosts affected by environmental factors. Current therapeutic agents mainly include aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, immunosuppressive drugs and novel biological agents. The purpose of treatment is to suppress inflammation and prevent irreversible structural damage. However, long-term application of these drugs may lead to multiple adverse effects and is not always effective. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent progenitors with low immunogenicity, which can be obtained and expanded easily. They play an important role in regulating immune responses and repairing damaged tissues in vivo. Therefore, MSCs are considered to be a promising option for the treatment of IBD. Nonetheless, there are many factors that can reduce the efficacy of MSCs, such as gradual deterioration of functional stem cells with age, low recruitment and persistence in vivo and different routes of administration. In recent years, researchers have been able to improve the efficacy of MSCs by pretreatment, genetic modification or co-application with other substances, as well as using different tissue-derived cells, administration methods or doses. This article reviews these methods to provide references for more effective application of MSCs in the treatment of IBD in the future.

Efficacy and safety of autologous hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation in multiple sclerosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Autologous hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (AHSCT) has been utilized as a treatment option for multiple sclerosis (MS) since 1995. However, this procedure has not been widely implemented in clinical practice owing to its mortality risk. Here, we conduct a meta-analysis to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of AHSCT in MS treatment, aiming to optimize the benefit/risk ratio of this therapeutic strategy.

METHODS

We searched the PubMed Web site and clinicaltrials.gov databases. The efficacy endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS) and disease activity-free survival. The safety outcomes were transplant-related mortality (TRM) and overall deaths.

RESULTS

Eighteen eligible studies with a total of 732 participants were enrolled. The PFS was 75% (95% CI, 0.69-0.81), and the estimate of disease activity-free survival was 61% with 48-month follow-up. Subgroups analysis showed that low- and intermediate-intensity regimens were associated with higher PFS 80%. Relapsing remitting MS (RRMS) benefited more from AHSCT than other MS subtypes with PFS 85%. Patients with Gd+ lesions at baseline MRI responded better to AHSCT with PFS 77%. The estimate of TRM was 1.34% (95% CI, 0.39-2.30), and the overall mortality was 3.58%. TRM was significantly higher in high-intensity regimen studies (3.13%) and in older studies (1.93%) performed before 2006.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis provides evidences that AHSCT can induce long-term remissions for MS patients with a high degree of safety. We indicate low- and intermediate-intensity regimens and RRMS patients with the presence of Gd+ lesions at baseline MRI can obtain the optimal benefit/risk ratio from AHSCT.

Long-term follow-up of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for refractory juvenile dermatomyositis: a case-series study

OBJECTIVE

To follow up the refractory juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) with autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) in a long time and to investigate whether AHSCT is effective and safe to treat refractory JDM.

METHODS

We collected the AHSCT and follow-up data of three patients with refractory JDM who received autologous peripheral blood CD34+ cell transplantation in our hospital between June 2004 and July 2015. Those data include: hight, weight, routine blood and urine tests, ESR, CK, ALT, AST, LDH, renal functional tests, lymphocyte subpopulations, HRCT and muscle MRI. The last follow-up was done in June 2017.

RESULTS

All three patients had complete remission and could stop prednisone after 3-12 months. None of them relapsed at 144, 113 and 23 months follow-up. Twelve months after their AHSCT, all of their monitoring indexes have returned to normal and they have stopped all medications. Until the date of this article, none of them relapsed or need medicine.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that AHSCT is safe and effective in treating refractory JDM, and it can provides long term drug-free survival. However, more cases are needed for further confirmation.

Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Based Therapy in Systemic Sclerosis: Rational and Challenges

Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) is a rare chronic disease, related to autoimmune connective tissue diseases such as Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Sjögren's Syndrome. Although its clinical heterogeneity, main features of the disease are: extensive tissue fibrosis with increase matrix deposition in skin and internal organ, microvascular alterations and activation of the immune system with autoantibodies against various cellular antigens. In the diffuse cutaneous scleroderma subtype, the disease is rapidly progressive with a poor prognosis, leading to failure of almost any internal organ, especially lung which is the leading cause of death. Primary trigger is unknown but may involve an immune process against mesenchymal cells in a genetically receptive host. Pathophysiology reveals a pivotal role of fibrosis and inflammation alterations implicating different cell subtypes, cytokines and growth factors, autoantibodies and reactive oxygen species. Despite improvement, the overall survival of SSc patients is still lower than that of other inflammatory diseases. Recommended drugs are agents capable of modulating fibrotic and inflammatory pathways. Cellular therapy has recently emerged as a credible option. Besides autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation which demonstrated remarkable improvement, mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) represent promising therapeutic candidates. Indeed, these cells possess anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, antifibrotic, and immunomodulary properties especially by secreting a large panel of bioactive molecules, addressing the most important key points of the SSc. In addition, these cells are very sensitive to their environment and are able to modulate their activity according to the pathophysiological context in which they are located. Autologous or allogeneic MSCs from various sources have been tested in many trials in different auto-immune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Crohn's disease or systemic lupus erythematosus. They are characterized by a broad availability and no or low acute toxicity. However, few randomized prospective clinical trials were published and their production under ATMP regulatory procedures is complex and time-consuming. Many aspects have still to be addressed to ascertain their potential as well as the potential of their derived products in the management of SSc, probably in association with other therapies.

Therapeutic Use of Intrathecal Mesenchymal Stem Cells in patients with Multiple Sclerosis: A Pilot Study with Booster Injection

BACKGROUND

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a potential therapy for various diseases. Here, the results of intrathecal injection of MSCs in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients are reported.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four patients were enrolled in the study. Three were male and one was female. There were three secondary-progressive MS patients and one relapsing-remitting MS patient. An amount of 50-80 ml of bone marrow was collected from the patients. MSC cultures were collected for each microbiological examination at each change of medium and passage as well as at the time of sample injection. Then, MSCs were injected into the patients by the intrathecal method. In two patients, the injection was replicated in 1 year.

RESULTS

All the patients were followed up for 2 years. Three patients who had secondary progression did not show disease progress after the injection, and the disease entered a stable state. A degree of recovery was observed in two patients. The relapsing-remitting patient suffered an attack that led to corticosteroid injection. None of the patients reported side effects. In terms of magnetic resonance imaging, there were no new plaques or enhanced plaques.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that injection of MSC can be a suitable method, especially for secondary-progressive patients. It seems that reinjection of these stem cells can be safe and sustaining it positively increases the effects of this therapeutic approach.

Hematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cells: a promising new therapy for spondyloarthritis?

In the last years, a considerable progress has been made in the treatment of spondyloarthritides. Nonetheless, there remain a considerable number of patients who are unresponsive to all current therapies. Since the late 1990s, numerous trials have investigated the use of stem cell transplantation as a new approach for the treatment of autoimmune disease, particularly with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. More recently, the research has focused on mesenchymal stem cell application due to their low immunogenicity and immunomodulatory properties. In this article, we summarize available data on hematopoietic stem cell and mesenchymal stem cell use for the treatment of spondyloarthritides and discuss the data gaps and possible research agenda in this area.

Phenotypic and functional characterization of mesenchymal stromal cells isolated from pediatric patients with severe idiopathic nephrotic syndrome

BACKGROUND

Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) is one of the most common renal diseases in the pediatric population; considering the role of the immune system in its pathogenesis, corticosteroids are used as first-line immunosuppressive treatment. Due to its chronic nature and tendency to relapse, a significant proportion of children experience co-morbidity due to prolonged exposure to corticosteroids and concomitant immunosuppression with second-line, steroid-sparing agents. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells that represent a key component of the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment; given their unique immunoregulatory properties, their clinical use may be exploited as an alternative therapeutic approach in INS treatment.

METHODS

In view of the possibility of exploiting their immunoregulatory properties, we performed a phenotypical and functional characterization of MSCs isolated from BM of five INS patients (INS-MSCs; median age, 13 years; range, 11-16 years) in comparison with MSCs isolated from eight healthy donors (HD-MSCs). MSCs were expanded ex vivo and then analyzed for their properties.

RESULTS

Morphology, proliferative capacity, immunophenotype and differentiation potential did not differ between INS-MSCs and HD-MSCs. In an allogeneic setting, INS-MSCs were able to prevent both T- and B-cell proliferation and plasma-cell differentiation. In an in-vitro model of experimental damage to podocytes, co-culture with INS-MSCs appeared to be protective.

DISCUSSION

Our results demonstrate that INS-MSCs maintain the main biological and functional properties typical of HD-MSCs; these data suggest that MSCs may be used in autologous cellular therapy approaches for INS treatment.

Tissue regeneration: The crosstalk between mesenchymal stem cells and immune response

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) exist in almost all tissues with the capability to differentiate into several different cell types and hold great promise in tissue repairs in a cell replacement manner. The study of the bidirectional regulation between MSCs and immune response has ushered an age of rethinking of tissue regeneration in the process of stem cell-based tissue repairs. By sensing damaged signals, both endogenous and exogenous MSCs migrate to the damaged site where they involve in the reconstitution of the immune microenvironment and empower tissue stem/progenitor cells and other resident cells, whereby facilitate tissue repairs. This MSC-based therapeutic manner is conferred as cell empowerment. In this process, MSCs have been found to exert extensive immunosuppression on both innate and adaptive immune response, while such regulation needs to be licensed by inflammation. More importantly, the immunoregulation of MSCs is highly plastic, especially in the context of pathological microenvironment. Understanding the immunoregulatory properties of MSCs is necessary for appropriate application of MSCs. Here we review the current studies on the crosstalk of MSCs and immune response in disease pathogenesis and therapy.