Interactions Between Allogeneic Mesenchymal Stromal Cells and the Recipient Immune System: A Comparative Review With Relevance to Equine Outcomes.
Authors: Kamm J Lacy, Riley Christopher B, Parlane Natalie, Gee Erica K, McIlwraith C Wayne
Journal: Frontiers in veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Allogeneic Mesenchymal Stromal Cells and Immune Compatibility in Horses Whilst allogeneic mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) possess documented immunosuppressive properties, their clinical application faces a fundamental biological challenge: the recipient's immune system recognises and attacks these foreign cells, potentially limiting treatment efficacy. Lacy and colleagues conducted a comparative literature review examining how MSCs interact with both innate and adaptive immune pathways, exploring the mechanisms by which these cells simultaneously suppress and activate different immune components. The authors found that despite MSCs' immunomodulatory capabilities, allogeneic grafts trigger an initial innate immune response followed by a delayed adaptive response—driven by alloantigenic recognition—that progressively reduces cell survival and therapeutic benefit. Current allogeneic MSC treatments show variable effectiveness in horses, with outcomes depending heavily on the degree of immune activation and the timeframe over which rejection occurs. For practitioners considering MSC therapy, this review underscores the critical importance of evaluating donor-recipient compatibility, considering autologous alternatives where feasible, and realistic expectations regarding treatment durability when allogeneic sources are used.
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Practical Takeaways
- •When using allogeneic MSC products in horses, expect potential immune-mediated rejection through both immediate and delayed mechanisms, requiring clinical monitoring protocols
- •Efficacy of allogeneic MSC treatments in equine practice may be compromised by recipient immune responses; consider this when setting realistic expectations with clients
- •Future MSC therapy optimization should address immunological barriers; current treatments may benefit from immunomodulation strategies to improve cell survival and clinical outcomes
Key Findings
- •Allogeneic MSCs trigger both innate immune responses (immediate) and adaptive immune responses (delayed) despite their immunosuppressive properties
- •MSCs possess dual immunological properties: suppressive effects on some immune arms and activating effects on others
- •Current allogeneic MSC treatments carry inherent rejection risk related to host recognition of alloantigens by cells and antibodies