Role of mesenchymal stem-cell-based therapy in multiple sclerosis: insights from recent preclinical and clinical studies

Abstract Background Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating neurodegenerative disorder. To this end, the disease cannot be cured using conventional pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments. Therefore, researchers have been driven to explore other treatment strategies, such as mesenchymal stem-cell (MSC)-based therapy, as MSCs are well-known for their immunomodulatory and other beneficial effects. This review gives an in-depth discussion on the current state of research concerning the therapeutic potential of MSCs in MS, by examining preclinical and clinical studies published recently. Results The use of different types of MSCs and routes of administration was safe and well-tolerated in many preclinical and clinical studies. Applications of MSCs in various animal models have demonstrated promising findings, such as improvements in symptoms, neurological functions, remyelination, and CNS lesions. Therapeutic effects have also been demonstrated in clinical studies, with clinical improvements, amelioration of central nervous system (CNS) lesions and changes in MS-associated biomarkers. However, conflicting findings and inconclusive efficiency of MSC-based therapy in MS have been reported in some clinical studies. Conclusions Recent research indicates that MSCs hold promise as a potential treatment strategy in MS. Further large-scale clinical trials are warranted to establish the optimal administration protocols, long-term effects, and the underlying mechanisms of MSCs’ therapeutic effects in MS.