Autologous mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may be a good alternative to antibody-based induction therapy in patients receiving living-related renal transplants, say researchers. Tan et al. randomized 159 patients receiving an ABO-compatible kidney transplant from a living related donor to receive autologous MSCs with standard-dose or low-dose calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs), or anti-IL-2-receptor antibodies with standard-dose CNIs. Autologous MSC use was associated with a reduced incidence of acute rejection, improved estimated renal function at 12 months, and a decreased risk of opportunistic infections.