Multipotent mesenchymal stem cells in renal transplantation

Abstract

Kidney transplantation is the most effective treatment for the end-stage chronic renal disease that has been observed to increase in the incidence consistently in recent years. Despite the achievements in immunosuppressive therapy in patients after renal transplantation, the graft survival length has remained unchangeable during the recent few decades. Bone marrow multipotent mesenchymal (stromal) stem cells (BM MMSCs) are known as a potential tool to influence this situation. Since their discovery in the middle of the XX century, their wide therapeutic potential in the transplantation of solid organs was demonstrated both in experimental and clinical trials. They have the ability to modify recipient’s immune response and improve postoperative course, however, having a low level of their own immunogenicity. MMSCs realize their properties through interactions both with the innate and adoptive immune system. Meanwhile, actual questions such as an optimal dosage and injection timing are still need answers. Actual experience of both experimental and clinical use of MMSCs in kidney transplantation has been analyzed in the present publication.