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Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cell Therapy for Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

  • Neonatology (C Juliano, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Pediatrics Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Clinical trials of mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (MSC) therapy for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) are already underway. A thorough understanding of the preclinical work that underpins these trials is critical for neonatal practitioners to properly evaluate them.

Recent Findings

The more significant advances have been in investigating the mechanisms of action by which MSCs are thought to ameliorate BPD, and the recognition that this therapeutic effect is largely contained within the non-cellular exosome fraction of MSCs.

Summary

In rodent hyperoxia models of BPD, MSCs have a pro-angiogenic effect mediated largely by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and shift the balance of endogenous lung cells from a pro-inflammatory to a pro-healing phenotype. MSC-derived exosomes can recapitulate these effects.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Acknowledgments

The author would like to thank Jessica Shui for her contributions to earlier versions of this work, and Thomas Hooven for critical review of the manuscript.

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  1. Division of Neonatology-Perinatology, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 630 West 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA

    Amélie Collins

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  1. Amélie Collins
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Collins, A. Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cell Therapy for Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Curr Pediatr Rep 7, 99–106 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40124-019-00198-1

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