Biodistribution of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells after Administration in Animal Models and Humans: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (MSCs) are of great interest in cellular therapy. Different routes of administration of MSCs have been described both in pre-clinical and clinical reports. Knowledge about the fate of the administered cells is critical for developing MSC-based therapies. The aim of this review is to describe how MSCs are distributed after injection, using different administration routes in animal models and humans. A literature search was performed in order to consider how MSCs distribute after intravenous, intraarterial, intramuscular, intraarticular and intralesional injection into both animal models and humans. Studies addressing the biodistribution of MSCs in “in vivo” animal models and humans were included. After the search, 109 articles were included in the review. Intravenous administration of MSCs is widely used; it leads to an initial accumulation of cells in the lungs with later redistribution to the liver, spleen and kidneys. Intraarterial infusion bypasses the lungs, so MSCs distribute widely throughout the rest of the body. Intramuscular, intraarticular and intradermal administration lack systemic biodistribution. Injection into various specific organs is also described. Biodistribution of MSCs in animal models and humans appears to be similar and depends on the route of administration. More studies with standardized protocols of MSC administration could be useful in order to make results homogeneous and more comparable.

Preclinical Development of a Therapy for Chronic Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury in Rats Using Human Wharton’s Jelly Mesenchymal Stromal Cells: Proof of Concept and Regulatory Compliance

“…NCT05054803). With respect to biodistribution, our results are in line with studies performed by other authors showing a rapid clearance of cells after injection and no presence of cells (locally or systemically) at mid/long term after intrathecal administration [36,37].…”

Stem cell-based therapy for human diseases

“…The following comprehensive and interesting reviews are highly recommended. [166][167][168] To date, 1426 registered clinical trials spanning different trial phases have used MSCs for therapeutic purposes, which is four times the number reported in 2013. 169,170 As supported by a large body of preclinical studies and advancements in conducting clinical trials, MSCs have been proven to be effective in the treatment of numerous diseases, including nervous system and brain disorders, pulmonary diseases, 171 cardiovascular conditions, 172 wound healing, etc.…”

Intrathecal Injection of Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Cultured on 3D Fiber Ameliorates Multiple Organ Damage in Murine Lupus

“… 61 In a systematic review by Sanchez-Diaz and their colleagues in 2021, ICV injection of MSC was detected at 1-3 weeks after injection and then, decreased time-dependently. 62 Another study showed that MSCs can be detected in the brain up to 7 weeks after ICV injection. 63 The efficacy of MSC distribution in the brain may rely on the distance between injected site and brain, and the number of injected MSCs, hence, intrathecal injection at L4 and L5 levels may have a lower effect on the brain in this study.…”