Stem Cell Therapy For Autoimmune Diseases
What is an Autoimmune Disease?
The immune system is responsible for protecting the individual from assaults from both the external and internal environment. The antigen-antibody reaction is the cornerstone of the immune response. An “antigen” is a harmful agent for the organism capable of inducing a defense response, through the formation of specific proteins, the “antibodies”. Sometimes, the body mistakenly detects its own tissue as an antigen or a foreign agent and produces antibodies to attack it. This is called an autoimmune response or autoimmune disease.
A group of more than 80 autoimmune diseases have been described, which can be classified as systemic, when they affect the entire body, or specific, when they are limited to organs or tissues.
What are the causes of autoimmune diseases?
Despite advances in research, the exact cause of autoimmune diseases is not fully understood. It is believed that a combination of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors can trigger these conditions in susceptible individuals. Exposure to certain viruses, environmental toxins, and stress have also been associated with an increased risk of developing these diseases.
What symptoms are commonly present in autoimmune diseases?
Symptoms vary depending on the disease and the organs affected. However, almost all present the same base group of symptoms related to inflammation: fever, pain, and a general feeling of malaise.
What is the usual management of autoimmune diseases?
Depending on the severity and progression, autoimmune diseases can be managed with simple anti-inflammatory agents such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or more potent anti-inflammatory drugs, such as corticosteroids or immunosuppressive drugs. In the case of systemic autoimmune conditions that threaten vital tissue, cytotoxic agents such as Imuran and cyclophosphamide can be used to suppress auto-reactivity and also to minimize the side effects of long-term use of corticosteroids.
There are also many other alternatives that can control symptom outbreaks or prevent their progression. These treatments must be designed in a fully personalized way, as it is necessary to take into account the clinical condition of each patient.
What is the role of stromal precursor therapy in autoimmune diseases?
With stromal precursor therapy, the progression of autoimmune diseases can be reversed, slowed down, and even largely stopped. The success rate of treatment is individualized and proportional to various factors, such as age, duration of the disease, and overall health status of the patient.
The treatment protocol, as well as the number of cells to be administered, is precisely adjusted according to the condition and weight of each patient. The treatment is carried out with cells from the placenta, due to their properties and advantages over other tissues.
Stromal precursors are unspecialized cells that have the ability to self-renew for long periods of time and differentiate into specialized cells with specific functions within the organism. However, stromal precursors not only have the ability to differentiate into various cell types, but they can also modulate the immune response and reduce inflammation in the body. This makes them ideal candidates for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, as they can help control the excessive immune response that causes damage to tissues.
Thus, stromal precursor therapy is highly effective in autoimmune diseases, based on the development and optimization of the following processes:
Modulation of the immune system: Stromal precursors have the ability to secrete anti-inflammatory molecules and growth factors that help to modulate the immune response, as they can suppress the activation of certain cells, such as T cells and B cells, thus reducing inflammation and the uncontrolled autoimmune response. In addition, they are able to stimulate the production of regulatory cells of the immune system, such as T regulatory cells, which help to maintain a proper balance and control in the immune response.
Repair and regeneration of tissues: Stromal precursors have the ability to migrate to damaged areas and differentiate into specialized cells necessary for tissue repair and regeneration. By promoting the regeneration of damaged tissues, stromal precursors can help to improve the function of affected organs and reduce the progression of the autoimmune disease.
