Mesenchymal stem cells: innovative therapeutic tools for rheumatic diseases

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are able to differentiate into chondrocytes, osteoblasts and adipocytes. As well as their potential use in tissue engineering, however, MSCs also potently modulate immune responses, exhibit healing capacities, improve angiogenesis and prevent fibrosis, at least partly by secreting several cytokines and growth factors.