Optimization of MSC therapeutic strategies for improved GVHD treatment

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have a powerful immunosuppressive capacity, and they have been used to treat numerous immune diseases, such as refractory graft-versus-host disease. Nevertheless, there are conflicting clinical data. To our knowledge, MSCs from different donors do not share the same qualities and have different immunosuppressive capacities. Infused MSCs are cleared by the recipient’s immune cells or macrophages. Therefore, the MSC therapeutic strategy might be the most important factor that determines treatment success. Repeated infusions would lead to a relatively stable MSC concentration, which would benefit a sustained therapeutic effect. In this review, we focus on the quality of MSCs and the associated therapeutic strategy, as well as other potential variables affecting their utility as a cellular pharmaceutical.