Emerging Leader in Stem Cell Therapy: Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells-Future Therapeutic Trends

Abstract

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent adult stem cells widely distributed in the bone marrow, umbilical cord, fat, and other tissues and have high proliferation, multi-differentiation, and immunoregulatory abilities. They can inhibit the proliferation of immune cells and the secretion of inammatory factors [26]. Compared with MSCs from other sources, human umbilical cord MSCs (hUCMSCs) have many advantages, such as a wide source, easy access to materials, strong proliferation ability, low immunogenicity, and great differentiation potential. They are most likely to become pluripotent stem cells with clinical application prospects. Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells – WJMSC- provide three classic advantages – ease of collection with no legal or ethical issues, high differentiating potential and low immunogenicity. Shorter doubling time (21) and an extensive ex vivo expansion capacity provides yet another privileged status to these cells compared with embryonic stem cells. Therapeutic potential of these cells lie in their immuno-modulatory properties involving both innate and adaptive immunity. Graft vs Host disease (GvHD), Post transplant scenarios and autoimmune disorders could witness a revolution in treatment approach with greater understanding of the mechanism action of these cells. Regenerative medicine should get an immense benet from proper understanding and utilization of these cells.