A discussion on adult mesenchymal stem cells for drug delivery: pros and cons. (December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sherman, Lauren S; Condé-Green, Alexandra; Sandiford, Oleta A; Rameshwar, Pranela
• Is Part Of: Therapeutic delivery. Volume 6:Number 12(2015)
• Page Start: 1335
• Page End: 1346
• Publication Date: 2015-12
• Subjects: Drug delivery systems -- Periodicals; Therapeutics -- Periodicals; 615.6
• DOI: 10.4155/tde.15.80
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2041-5990

Abstract

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are emerging as candidates for drug delivery to treat numerous diseases. Their ease of isolation, expansion and reduced ethical concern, coupled with their 'plastic' immune functions and homing abilities make MSCs an appealing choice as cellular vehicle for drug delivery, including the delivery of RNA. However, while MSCs are currently listed for thousands of clinical trials, there are many confounding factors that have yet to be elucidated. In this review, we address many of the benefits of MSCs as therapeutic agents, and discuss confounding factors that require further scientific exploration.