Mesenchymal stem cells in osteoarticular diseases: an update

Multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells or mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are mainly isolated from bone
marrow or fat tissue. Because of their potential of multilineage differentiation towards bone, cartilage and fat
tissue, they were initially evaluated to develop innovative strategies for tissue engineering applications. More
recently, they have gained interest based on their immunomodulatory properties and have been tested in various
clinical trials aiming at modulating the host immune response in graft-versus-host disease or autoimmune
diseases. MSC-mediated immunomodulation occurs through the secretion of soluble mediators.
The clinical applications of MSCs for rheumatic diseases are focusing on their potential to help tissue
repair/regeneration and to prevent inflammation. The aim of the present review is to focus on the mechanisms by
which MSCs might exhibit a therapeutic potential in rheumatology and present an update on the mechanisms
involved in the therapeutic effect of MSCs. Special attention is given to their possible modulation for future
innovative strategies.