Autoimmune Diseases
Recent research highlights the therapeutic role of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in managing autoimmune diseases. MSCs play a vital role in the maintenance and repair of adult mesenchymal tissues, responding to inflammation and injury with immune-modulating and immunosuppressive effects that help regulate immune responses.
HSCs also show promise in treating autoimmune conditions such as systemic sclerosis and multiple sclerosis, helping to improve patient health and quality of life.
In developed countries, increased life expectancy, lifestyle factors, and environmental changes have contributed to a rise in degenerative and autoimmune diseases. Stem cell therapies offer a promising treatment approach, as they encourage tissue repair and provide protection against immune-related damage.
Understanding Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases are serious conditions where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues, producing harmful antibody responses. These conditions can target a single organ or affect multiple organs, potentially causing widespread damage. While autoimmune diseases are often difficult to manage, stem cell therapy has shown promise in treating conditions like multiple sclerosis, lupus, Type 1 diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis.
How Can Stem Cells Help Treat Autoimmune Diseases?
Autoimmune conditions are typically managed with immune-suppressing medications like steroids, methotrexate, cyclosporine, and infliximab (Remicade). While these treatments can provide relief, they often come with potential long-term side effects and may require lifelong use.
Stem cell therapy, however, offers a different approach. In patients with various autoimmune disorders, stem cells have shown significant healing potential. Beyond repairing damaged tissues, stem cells uniquely modulate the immune system, reducing harmful immune responses without compromising the body’s ability to fight infections.
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are particularly effective in targeting inflamed tissues. They produce localized anti-inflammatory agents that calm immune responses specifically in the affected areas, rather than impacting the entire immune system. MSCs also encourage the production of regulatory T cells—specialized immune cells that help protect the body from attacking its own tissues, further supporting a balanced immune response.
Stem Cell Types and Production Process
The stem cells used to treat autoimmune diseases are primarily allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) sourced from the human umbilical cord. These MSCs are collected from donated umbilical cords following healthy, full-term births. Each mother is screened for medical history and tested for infectious diseases, adhering to strict US FDA guidelines to ensure safety and quality.
Once collected, the cells undergo rigorous testing to confirm sterility, viability, and activity. The stem cells used in treatments are expanded only once—referred to as Passage One or P1 MSCs—to maintain optimal therapeutic potential. A proprietary selection process is then used to choose only the most viable and effective cells, often called “Golden Cells,” ensuring that only the highest quality cells are used.
Stem Cell Therapy for Autoimmune Diseases
Over the past 18 years, thousands of patients with autoimmune conditions have been treated with umbilical cord-derived stem cells. These therapies have shown positive outcomes in managing conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and systemic lupus erythematosus, helping patients achieve better health and symptom control.
