Human mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) can be harvested from many tissues, including bone marrow (BM), cord blood (CB), adipose tissue, umbilical cord (UC), placenta and others. In recent years, there has been an overwhelming interest in MSC as reflected in the number of reports regarding their characterization, biological properties and clinical application. One of the specific areas of research involves the characterization of MSCs derived from different sources as well as the potential differences between them. More recently, reports have been published on derivatives from MSCs such as extracellular vesicles (EVs)/exosomes and mitochondria, but their characterization, mechanisms of action in immunomodulatory functions and regeneration aspects have not been fully elucidated.
New engineering technologies have facilitated to explore new concepts related to the unique characteristics of MSCs. For examples, MSCs migrate toward inflammatory stimuli, such as damaged tissue and cancer. MSC engineered to alter costimulatory pathways have been used to induce immune tolerance. iPSC-derived MSC have become available for clinical application. 3D structural formation of MSCs using scaffolds, anti-cancer or oncolytic gene-packaging MSCs, and other therapeutic gene-modified MSCs are emerging new examples that have expanded the therapeutic potential of MSC. For further translation, these cell engineering technologies require scalability, even though MSCs can be expanded easily.
This topic aims at understanding the biology of MSCs from various tissues and at applying this knowledge to explore potential new therapeutic areas. In addition, it aims at discussing emerging new concepts that will improve function and scalability of MSCs. We welcome original research, brief research reports and reviews* addressing the following sub topics (independent or overlapping content).
*Reviews should include the summary of published reports in basic or clinical studies.
1. To understand the biology and mechanisms of action of MSCs or derivatives from MSC derived from different sources, by means of cell proliferation, differentiation abilities, chemokine and cytokine production, gene expression, proteomics, and epigenetics, using flow cytometry, single cell analysis and other technologies.
2. To understand the specific role of host-derived factors in mediating or modifying the therapeutic efficacy of MSC. This may include the effects of administration routes, in-vivo imaging studies, and kinetics of MSCs.
3. To explore novel biological properties of engineered MSC, including iPSC-derived MSCs, gene modified MSCs, and 3D structural formation of MSCs.
A full list of accepted article types, including descriptions, can be found at this
link.
