Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Macrophage Choreography Supporting Spinal Cord Repair

Spinal cord injuries cause tissue damage and loss of function, often accompanied by persistent inflammation, where macrophages play a significant role. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have shown promise in promoting spinal cord repair and functional recovery. Transplanted MSCs interact with inflammatory macrophages at the injury site. This interaction is important in tissue healing. Understanding how MSCs and macrophages interact could lead to better spinal cord repair strategies. This review examines the roles of MSCs and macrophages in spinal cord injury repair, focusing on their interactions and potential therapeutic benefits. Understanding their interplay could lead to improved spinal cord repair strategies.

• 1
  MSCs secrete factors that promote neuroprotection, angiogenesis, and stabilization of the spinal cord-blood barrier, contributing to anatomical repair and functional recovery after spinal cord injury.
• 2
  MSCs modulate the inflammatory response by influencing macrophage phenotype, shifting them towards an anti-inflammatory, pro-reparative state, which supports tissue restoration and repair.
• 3
  Effective immunomodulation by MSCs requires activation by inflammatory stimuli in the injury microenvironment, suggesting that preconditioning MSCs prior to transplantation may enhance their therapeutic efficacy.