Int J Stem Cells. 2019 Jul 31;12(2):218-226. doi: 10.15283/ijsc18034.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells From the Wharton's Jelly of the Human Umbilical Cord: Biological Properties and Therapeutic Potential

Luigi Marino ¹, Maria Antonietta Castaldi ^1 2, Rosa Rosamilio ¹, Enrico Ragni ³, Rosa Vitolo ¹, Caterina Fulgione ¹, Salvatore Giovanni Castaldi ¹, Bianca Serio ¹, Rosario Bianco ¹, Maurizio Guida ¹, Carmine Selleri ¹

Abstract

Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) are a class of stem cells with high differentiative potential, an immuno-privileged status and easy access for collection, which raise no legal or ethical issues. WJ-MSCs exhibit several features of embryonic stem cells, both in the phenotypic and genetic aspects, with only a few differences, such as a shorter doubling time and a more extensive ex vivo expansion capacity. WJ-MSCs have immunomodulatory properties, involving both innate and adaptive immune responses. This review focuses on the role of WJ-MSCs in the management of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), a life-threatening complication of the allogenic transplantation of hematopoietic stem cells. Different studies documented the beneficial effect of the infusion of WJ-MSCs, even when not fully HLA identical, in patients with severe GvHD, refractory to standard treatment. Finally, we summarized current ongoing clinical trials with WJ-MSCs and their potential in regenerative medicine.