Role of Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells in Coagulation

Abstract

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are widely used in disease models in order to control several phases in the response to injuries, immune reaction, wound healing, and regeneration. MSCs can act upon both the innate and adaptive immune systems and target a broad number of functions, such as the secretion of cytokines, proteolytic enzymes, angiogenic factors, and the regulating of cell proliferation and survival. The role of MSCs in coagulation has been less studied. This review evaluates the properties and main functions of MSCs in coagulation. MSCs can regulate coagulation in a wide range of pathways. MSCs express and release tissue factors (TF), one of the key regulators of the extrinsic coagulation pathways; MSCs can trigger platelet production and contribute to platelet activation. Altogether, MSCs seem to have a pro-thrombotic role and their superior characterization prior to their administration is necessary in order to prevent adverse coagulation events.