Update of mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection

Abstract

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a group of pluripotent stem cells with high self-renewal ability and multi-directional differentiation potential. Substantial studies have proved their therapeutic potential for mycobacterium tuberculosis infection by promoting the secretion of antimicrobial peptides and key enzymes, and by expression of specific receptors on cell surface, and MSCs directly or indirectly mediate the transformation from the inhibited immune status to the activated one. On the basis of providing sufficient antibiotics, mesenchymal stem cells, serving as an approach of cell therapies, play an auxiliary role in the diseases caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In the meanwhile, MSCs can inhibit excessive inflammation and reduce unnecessary tissue damages. The update of mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection is summarized in this paper.

Keywords

• mesenchymal stem cells
• mycobacterium tuberculosis
• immune regulation