Mesenchymal stem cells transplantation for systemic lupus erythematosus.

Mesenchymal stem cells are a rare subset of stem cells residing in the bone marrow where they closely interact with hematopoietic stem cells and support their growth and differentiation. They can suppress proliferation or functions of many immune cells such as T cells, B cells, natural killer cells and dendritic cells. Recently, a substantial progress has been made in the field of mesenchymal stem cell transplantation. Experimental and clinical data suggest that this therapy has been a promising strategy for severe and refractory systemic lupus erythematosus.