Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Treating Autoimmune Dacryoadenitis

Autoimmune dacryoadenitis can occur as a result of systemic autoimmune diseases like Sjögren's syndrome. Inflammation of the lacrimal gland leads to the pathogenesis of these diseases.

Unfortunately, current treatment strategies, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, artificial tears, punctal occlusion, or immunosuppressive drugs, provide only temporary relief. Moreover, the long-term administration of these strategies leads to adverse effects that limit their utility.

Hence, experts actively seek an effective and safe treatment for autoimmune dacryoadenitis. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are being studied as a potential treatment for autoimmune dacryoadenitis because of their immunosuppressive properties, tissue repair functions, and differentiation capabilities.

Let’s learn more about the source of MSCs and their role in treating this condition.

How Mesenchymal Stem Cells Help in Autoimmune Dacryoadenitis

MSCs are multipotent non-hematopoietic stem cells that can easily differentiate into multiple cell types, such as osteocytes, fibroblasts, adipocytes, and smooth muscle cells.

Under special conditions, these stem cells have the potential to differentiate into various cell types, including epithelial and stromal cells, under specific conditions.

Let’s summarize the immunomodulation and treatment effects of MSCs in detail below:

• MSCs exert anti-inflammation and immunoregulatory potential through cell-to-cell contact and the release of cytokines.

• These cells may modulate natural killer cells (NK cells), T and B lymphocytes, and antigen-presenting cells (APCs) such as dendritic cells. This makes them a promising therapy for autoimmune diseases.

• The regulation of immune cells by MSCs depends on a panel of cytokines secreted by the cells, such as IL-10. This often transforms the growth factor-β (TGF-β), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), nitric oxide, and human leukocyte antigen-G5 (HLAG).

• MSCs are immunosuppressive and secrete various cytokines such as intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), C-C motif chemokine-8 (CCL-8), CXC chemokine ligand-10 (CXCL-10), and IDO in multiple inflammatory conditions.

• These cells also facilitate the formation of the immune microenvironment by the proliferation and activation of Tregs.

Cord Tissue Banking with Mesenchymal Stem Cells

The treatment effect of MSCs was initially studied in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, where multiple sclerosis symptoms were eliminated after the administration of these stem cells in mice.

Similar anti-inflammatory effects of MSCs have also proved effective in other autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and graft versus host disease (GVHD).

A few researchers also studied the immunomodulatory and protective effects of MSCs in the salivary gland. They suggested that these stem cells often exert their treatment effect through three processes: tissue repair, anti-inflammation, and immunoregulation. These findings have potential implications for future investigations associated with treating Autoimmune Dacryoadenitis.

Learn More About MSCs

Autoimmune dacryoadenitis is a persistent and difficult to cure surface disease. It severely affects a particular individual’s quality of life. In worse cases, it even induces severe visual impairment in some people. This multifactorial and complex disease and inflammation also plays a key role in its pathogenesis.

While other temporary relief treatments are available for autoimmune dacryoadenitis, MSCs have shown a more positive therapeutic effect through several mechanisms

So, how exactly do you get these mesenchymal stem cells? The answer lies in stem cell banking, which involves preserving umbilical cord blood stem cells for future treatment purposes. If you want to preserve, you can speak to our experts at Cryoviva. We are the best platform for umbilical cord blood banking in India offering state-of-the-art facilities and advanced preservation techniques.