Mesenchymal stem cell and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for vasculitis

Abstract

Vasculitis is a great therapeutic challenge. Currently, no effective treatments are available. Although biologics are emerging as new therapeutic alternatives, steroids remain the mainstay of the treatment. Similar to other immune-mediated diseases, refractory vasculitis seems to be a potential target of both bone marrow and mesenchymal stem cell transplantation. Preliminary data show stem cell-based therapies are effective for several types of vasculitis that are steroid-refractory. However, clinical data are sparse due to the limited number of patients. More studies are needed to confirm the preliminary results. In addition, optimization of the therapeutical regimens of stem cell transplantation is necessary in future.