In the rapidly evolving field of medical science, stem cells have emerged as a beacon of hope for treating various diseases. This article delves into the multifaceted role of stem cells in combating viral diseases and managing autoimmune disorders like Multiple Sclerosis (MS). It explores how certain types of stem cells can not only mitigate viral replication but also modulate the immune response, shifting it from a state of inflammation to repair. The article further discusses the potential of umbilical cord stem cells in regulating the immune system, providing new insights into the treatment of MS. Read on to discover the transformative potential of stem cells in medical therapeutics.
The Role of Stem Cells in Immune Response
Some stem cell types release molecules that reduce viral replication and decrease the cytokine storm and inflammation induced by the immune system. These stem cells are part of both the innate and adaptive immune systems.
Stem Cells in Post-Viral Recovery
An important aspect of stem cells’ ability to alleviate viral diseases, especially post-clearance complications, is their capacity to shift the innate and adaptive immune systems from an inflammatory state to a repair state. This makes the molecules released from certain efficacious and safe stem cell types a potential new avenue for therapeutic development in Covid-19, particularly for late-stage inflammation and tissue damage once the virus has cleared, especially in the aged population.
Stem Cells and Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
The Problem: Immune System Abnormalities in MS
MS is characterized by immune system attacks against myelin, despite the disease’s cause still being unknown. T-cells, which are immune system cells, enter the brains of MS patients and react with the myelin sheath that surrounds and shields neurons. The unregulated activity of T-cells, which leads to their unusual hostility, is often mediated by T regulatory cells (Tregs).
The Solution: Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs)
MSCs, which are immature cells that can become any type of cell in the body, are one potential means of restoring T-cell control. Bone marrow contains a type of stem cell called MSCs. It has been demonstrated that MSCs activate Tregs, which in turn regulates T-cell activity.
The Experiment: Umbilical Cord Stem Cells (UC-MSCs)
Human umbilical cord contains MSC-equivalent stem cells, or UC-MSCs. Compared to MSCs, these cells are more stable, cause fewer immunological reactions, and have a greater capacity for expansion.
Researchers cultured UC-MSCs in combination with immune system cells found in the blood of both healthy individuals and MS patients to investigate if these cells may regulate the immune system in MS. Unused human umbilical cords, which provide a plentiful and noninvasive source of these cells, and blood cells from ten healthy donors (mean age 28.38) and twelve RRMS patients (mean age 53.75) were used to create UC-MSCs.
The Results: UC-MSCs and Tregs
Researchers found that when UC-MSCs were present, resting T-cells from MS patients had a notably higher proportion of Tregs. Additionally, UC-MSCs were able to reinstate the regulatory function of Tregs, by inducing the synthesis of certain proteins known as cytokines that regulate T-cell activity.
Overall, these findings showed that using umbilical cord stem cells to treat multiple sclerosis can successfully lower aberrant immune system activity. The potential of stem cells in treating viral diseases and autoimmune disorders like Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is immense. Their ability to modulate the immune system, reduce inflammation, and promote repair presents a promising avenue for future therapeutic development. Particularly, the use of umbilical cord stem cells offers a stable, non-invasive, and effective approach to control aberrant immune system activity. As we continue to unravel the mysteries of stem cells, we move closer to a future where diseases may be managed more effectively and efficiently, heralding a new era in medical therapeutics.
References:
- Cuascut, F. and Hutton, G. (2019) ‘Stem cell-based therapies for multiple sclerosis: Current perspectives’, Biomedicines, 7(2), p. 26. doi:10.3390/biomedicines7020026.
- Forraz, N. and McGuckin, C.P. (2011) ‘The umbilical cord: A rich and ethical stem cell source to advance regenerative medicine’, Cell Proliferation, 44(s1), pp. 60–69. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2184.2010.00729.x.
- Khandelwal, V. et al. (2022) ‘Stem cell therapy: A novel approach against emerging and re-emerging viral infections with special reference to SARS-COV-2’, Molecular Biology Reports, 50(3), pp. 2663–2683. doi:10.1007/s11033-022-07957-2.
- Mebarki, M., Abadie, C., Larghero, J. et al. Human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells: a promising candidate for the development of advanced therapy medicinal products. Stem Cell Res Ther 12, 152 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13287-021-02222-y
- Rowden, A. (2021) Stem cell therapy for multiple sclerosis: Explanation and safety, Medical News Today. Edited by N. Hammond. Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/stem-cell-multiple-sclerosis
- Sleem, A. and Saleh, F. (2020) ‘Mesenchymal stem cells in the fight against viruses: Face to face with the invisible enemy’, Current Research in Translational Medicine, 68(3), pp. 105–110. doi:10.1016/j.retram.2020.04.003.
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