Multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells and rheumatoid arthritis: risk or benefit?

Multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have raised interest mainly because of cartilage/bone differentiation potential which is now partly eclipsed by their capacity to counteract inflammation and suppress host immune responses as well as to prevent fibrosis. MSCs have been identified within joint tissues including synovium, cartilage, subchondral bone, periosteum or adipose tissue. They are characterized by their phenotype and their ability to differentiate into three lineages, chondrocytes, osteoblasts and adipocytes. MSCs have also paracrine effects through the secretion of a number of cytokines and growth factors. This may explain the trophic effects that may be of therapeutic value for rheumatic diseases including OA and RA. On the other hand, MSCs have been associated with tumour growth. MSCs migrate to the tumour stroma, express chemokines involved in the attraction of carcinoma cells in metastasis. Indeed, the aim of this review is not only to focus on new potential therapeutic applications in osteo-articular diseases, but also to assess the potential risk of MSC-based cell therapy.