Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cells: A New Treatment For Sepsis And Septic Shock?

Sepsis and septic shock are the leading cause of admission and mortality in non-coronary intensive care units. Currently however no specific treatments are available for this syndrome. Due to the failure of conventional treatments, in recent years research is focussing on innovative therapeutic agents, including cell therapy. One particular type of cells, Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cells (MSCs), has raised hopes for the treatment of sepsis. Indeed, their immunomodulatory properties, antimicrobial activity and capacity of protection against organ failure confer MSCs with a major advantage to treat the immune and inflammatory dysfunctions associated with sepsis and septic shock. After a brief description of the pathophysiology of sepsis and septic shock, the latest advances in the use of MSCs to treat sepsis will be presented. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.