Open AccessImmunological properties of embryonic and adult stem cells
Author(s) -
Francesco Bifari,
Luciano Pacelli,
Mauro Krampera
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
world journal of stem cells
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.907
H-Index - 18
ISSN - 1948-0210
DOI - 10.4252/wjsc.v2.i3.50
Subject(s) - stem cell , embryonic stem cell , immune system , immunogenicity , biology , adult stem cell , immunology , medicine , microbiology and biotechnology , genetics , gene
The possibility of treating degenerative diseases by stem cell-based approaches is a promising therapeutical option. Among major concerns for the clinical application of stem cells, some derive from the possibility that stem cells may be rejected by the immune system as a consequence of histoincompatibility and that stem cells themselves may interfere with the normal functions of host immune response. Therefore, the immunogenicity and the immunomodulatory properties of stem cells must be carefully addressed. Although these properties are common features of different stem cell types, some peculiarities can be recognized and characterized for their proper clinical use.