Mesenchymal stem cells

Coating mesenchymal stromal cells with a soft gel incorporating specific chemomechanical cues that enhance the production of collagenases enhances the ability of the cells to inhibit aberrant tissue remodelling in mice with fibrotic lungs.

De novo adipocyte differentiation ensures healthy adipose tissue expansion and protects against deleterious ectopic lipid deposition in the setting of overnutrition. Dong and Sun et al. identify a molecular brake on adipogenesis that may contribute to the development of insulin resistance in obesity.

Recent double-blind, randomized, controlled trials reported that human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) infusions in COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) could diminish cytokine storm and lung damage. While these outcomes are significant, additional phase II/III trials are required to validate the efficacy of MSCs to improve the survival of COVID-19 patients with ARDS. Future studies also need to assess the efficacy of MSCs to prevent long COVID.

The phagocytic clearance of the large fraction of transplanted cells that typically undergo rapid cell death contributes to therapeutic outcomes.