Stem cells elicit immunomodulatory properties through surface protein expression and their secretome. These properties allow stem cells to influence the immune response, reduce neuroinflammation, and create a favorable environment for neuronal survival and repair. Many neurological and neurodegenerative conditions involve chronic or dysregulated neuroinflammation, which contributes to neuronal damage. In these diseases, activated microglia and astrocytes release pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α, IL-1β), oxidative species, and other factors that exacerbate neurodegeneration. Stem cells have emerged as promising therapeutic tools due to their dual ability to promote neural regeneration and exert potent immunomodulatory effects. By restoring immune balance and supporting tissue repair, stem cells offer a multifaceted approach to treating neurodegenerative diseases with immunological components.
The goal of this Research Topic is to bridge stem cell science with foundational immunology to uncover novel therapeutic strategies for neurological and neurodegenerative disorders. Many current interventions fail to address the persistent and often escalating immune imbalances seen in these diseases. Understanding how stem cells interact with immune components such as antigen-presenting cells, pro-inflammatory and regulatory T-cells, and innate immune mediators can help decipher their full therapeutic potential. Furthermore, this topic seeks to highlight recent advances in identifying immunological biomarkers that predict or measure stem cell efficacy. By embracing both basic and translational immunology, this collection aims to catalyze a deeper exploration of how stem cell therapies can be optimized not just for neuroprotection and regeneration, but also for reprogramming immune responses toward resolution and tolerance. Ultimately, we hope to identify mechanisms that underpin lasting clinical improvement and immune equilibrium in affected individuals.
The goal of this Research Topic is to investigate how stem cell-based therapies can be harnessed to correct immune dysregulation in neurological and neurodegenerative conditions. Despite growing evidence that immune-mediated mechanisms are central to CNS disease progression, many current therapies inadequately address the underlying immune imbalance. Stem cells—through secretion of immunoregulatory cytokines, induction of tolerogenic dendritic cells, modulation of Th17/Treg balance, and release of extracellular vesicles.
This topic welcomes manuscripts focusing on, but not limited to, • New insights on the immunological effects of stem cells in vivo and in vitro, including clinical outcomes and mechanistic studies. • Safety, cell sourcing, delivery routes, and biomarker development to monitor immune response to therapy. • Identify targeted strategies for immune resetting, neuroprotection, and long-term functional recovery. • Advancing clinical translation via early-phase trials, development of immunological biomarkers, and standardized GMP-compliant cell production
By integrating immunology, neurobiology, and regenerative medicine, this Research Topic aims to advance targeted strategies for immune resetting, neuroprotection, and long-term recovery.
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This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:
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