Abstract

ADVANCING CELL THERAPIES IN THE TREATMENT OF AUTOIMMUNE CONDITIONS

Jyothi Goutham Kumar, Anil Kumar, Meeta A. Jiladia, Ravikumar S. Vaishnov, Vishal Pathak, Pallavi Joshi, Manpreet Singh, Sachin Tyagi and Roshni Tandey*

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Abstract

Autoimmune diseases impose a substantial burden on individuals and society due to chronic symptoms and the lack of effective treatment options. In response to the limitations of traditional treatments, cell therapies have emerged as promising alternatives. Current treatment modalities often rely on immunosuppressive drugs, which are associated with side effects and limited efficacy. Cell therapies offer a targeted approach by delivering therapeutic cells to modulate the immune system and restore equilibrium. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a widely explored form of cell therapy in autoimmunity. In HSCT, healthy donor stem cells are transplanted into the recipient, where they differentiate into immune cells, suppressing autoimmunity. This approach has shown promising results, particularly in conditions like lupus and multiple sclerosis, with remission rates exceeding 50%. Beyond HSCT, other cell-based therapies, such as mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), demonstrate immunomodulatory properties and exhibit promise in preclinical models of autoimmune diseases. Clinical trials evaluating MSCs for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus are underway. The limited availability of suitable donors and complexities in manufacturing and distributing therapeutic cells pose challenges in cell therapies for autoimmune conditions. However, recent advancements in cell engineering and regenerative medicine present opportunities to overcome these limitations. For instance, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), derived from a patient's own cells, offer a personalized source of therapeutic cells. Additionally, scalable manufacturing processes can enhance the production of therapeutic cells for clinical use. This review article comprehensively explores the potential applications of cell therapies in treating autoimmune conditions, summarizing the current state of knowledge and advancements in the field. Autoimmune disorders, characterized by immune system malfunction and attacks on healthy cells, present a complex therapeutic challenge. This review underscores the potential of cell therapies, encompassing stem cells, immune cells, and progenitor cells, to promote tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and modulate the immune system, offering promising avenues for the treatment of autoimmune conditions.

Keywords: Autoimmune diseases, Cell therapies, Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), Immunomodulation, Regenerative medicine.