Protocol for isolating and assessing immunomodulatory ability of explant-cultured human amniotic membrane mesenchymal stem cells

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are promising for regenerative medicine and cell-based therapies due to their multipotent and immunomodulatory properties. Here, we present a protocol for isolating MSCs from the amnion of the human amniotic membrane (AM-MSCs) using the explant culture approach and their subsequent characterization. We also describe steps for evaluating the immunomodulatory potential of the conditioned medium (CM) harvested from AM-MSCs, enabling assessment of its secretome without direct cell-to-cell contact.