Evolution and future prospects of adipose-derived immunomodulatory cell therapeutics

Abstract

Over the past two decades, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine have evolved from what many considered a theoretical science to what is now a clinical reality. Tissue engineering combines biomaterial scaffolds, growth factors and stem or progenitor cells to repair damaged tissues. Adipose tissue, an abundant and easily accessed tissue, is a potential source of stromal/stem cells for regenerative therapeutic applications. Like bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells, adipose-derived stromal/stem cells display both immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive properties. The adipose cells exert these actions, in part, through their secretion of paracrine growth factors. This review highlights recent developments in the isolation, characterization and preclinical application of adipose-derived cells and the challenges facing their translation into clinical practice.

Keywords::

• adipose-derived stem or stromal cell
• allogeneic use
• anti-inflammatory
• autologous use
• bone marrow-derived stem or stromal cell
• clinical applications
• immunosuppression
• mixed lymphocyte reaction
• stromal vascular fraction

Financial & competing interests disclosure

JM Gimble has cofounded Artecel Sciences and LaCell LLC. These biotech companies have focused on the development of adipose-cell based therapeutics for tissue engineering and related research. He has also collaborated with Cognate Bioservices, a company designed to develop adult stem cells for therapeutic applications. KR McIntosh was formerly employed by Cognate Bioservices. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.