Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have attracted much attention in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering due to their pluripotency, self-renewal ability and low immunogenicity. However, with the deepening of research and widespread application, the problem of homogenization of MSCs has gradually emerged. We believe that there are three main points:

The first point is that MSCs from different sources may overlap or be difficult to distinguish in function, such as fat, placenta, umbilical cord, and amniotic membrane, which is better and which is worse, and it is difficult to have clinical trials to distinguish them.

The second point is that MSCs have shown potential in the treatment of multiple diseases, but the MSCs used in different diseases are basically the same, and there is little difference in preparation process and application.

The third point is that with the commercialization of MSCs therapy, numerous MSCs products and therapies have appeared on the market, but due to the lack of clear differentiated characteristics, these products are often difficult to distinguish between functions and effects.

So in order to enhance the competitiveness of enterprises and solve the problem of homogenization of mesenchymal stem cells, it is necessary to transform mesenchymal stem cells and improve the efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells on diseases. What is the space and direction? This is very worthy of clinical and corporate attention.

Personalized medical strategy

The core of cell therapy is personalized treatment, but many companies do not do a good job in how to personalize it, and even become synonymous with non-standard at some times. Combined with the current advancement of genes and AI, it is possible to better serve clinical services.

The following improvements are worth referring to:

Patient-specific mesenchymal stem cells

Use the patient's own tissue (such as bone marrow or adipose tissue) or autologous iPSC to prepare mesenchymal stem cells to reduce the risk of immune rejection.

Customize personalized treatment plans according to the patient's specific needs and conditions.

genomic analysis

Use genomics and molecular analysis techniques to identify genetic markers or characteristics that affect a patient's response to treatment.

Use this information to select the optimal source and subpopulation of mesenchymal stem cells to optimize treatment strategies.

Methods for specific diseases

Tailoring mesenchymal stem cell therapies based on disease characteristics, such as genetically editing cells to provide anti-tumor drugs or enhance immune responses in cancer treatment, selecting more immune competent cells or giving cells more immune functions in immune system diseases.

Dose and time optimization

Taking into account factors such as the severity of the disease, patient age, comorbidities, and personalized treatment doses and timing, there is an urgent need to establish a large database and use AI algorithms to solve various heterogeneity problems. Otherwise, it will be the clinical experience of some doctors, and better clinical results will not be achieved.

Upgrade cells and drug delivery methods

The foundation of cell therapy is cells. If cells are improved through laboratory modification or clinical technology to improve cell function, improve retention rate and tissue homing ability, it is an effective way to improve the final clinical efficacy.

Microencapsulation and biomaterials

Mesenchymal stem cells are encapsulated in biocompatible materials through microencapsulation technology to protect cells from immune responses and achieve sustained release of therapeutic factors. Especially suitable for chronic diseases such as diabetes.

Delivery of cells through engineered biomaterial carriers can promote cell survival by reducing microenvironmental impacts, improve cell retention by preventing cell leakage, and enhance the regenerative response from the delivery cells by manipulating the fate of stem cells.

Nanoparticles are used as carriers to protect mesenchymal stem cells from damage during transportation. Nanoparticles can be loaded with therapeutic or imaging agents for treatment monitoring and tracking.

Diversified infusion technologies

Explore improved infusion techniques to improve cell retention and tissue homing capabilities.

Study methods of preconditioning or activating mesenchymal stem cells before infusion to enhance their migration characteristics and targeting.

For localized diseases such as osteoarthritis or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), improve direct injection or endoscopic delivery methods to improve targeting and reduce invasiveness of treatment.

Exosome-mediated delivery

Use mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes as a cell-free treatment method to isolate and administer drugs to achieve therapeutic effects.

Combination treatment strategy

Cell therapy has never been an isolated treatment, especially now, where specific problems require comprehensive consideration, comprehensive measures, and a multi-pronged approach.

The enrichment of treatment methods can not only solve the problem of homogenization in medical care, but may also lead to multiple business formats.

Various means to adjust and combine

Use of mesenchymal stem cells in conjunction with immunomodulators or traditional Chinese medicines, especially in autoimmune or immune-related diseases.

The organic combination of stem cells and intestinal microorganisms may have a synergistic effect in some specific diseases.

drug delivery system

Using mesenchymal stem cells as drug delivery vehicles to directly deliver therapeutic compounds to diseased tissues is of great significance, especially in cancer treatment.

stem cell composition

The combination of different types of stem cells, such as induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) or neural stem cells, provides a comprehensive treatment for spinal cord injury or neurodegenerative diseases.

The combination of stem cells and exosomes improves the clinical efficacy of stem cells through exosomes.

adjuvant therapy

Mesenchymal stem cell transplantation is used as a supplement to traditional treatments, such as in bone repair surgery, to accelerate the healing process and improve treatment outcomes.