What are mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)?
Mesenchymal stem cells are multipotent adult stromal cells that can differentiate into bone, cartilage and fat cells — but their main clinical value is signalling: MSCs release factors that modulate inflammation and support tissue repair.
Mesenchymal stem cell function
MSC function is best described as paracrine. Once delivered, MSCs sense the inflammatory environment and secrete cytokines, growth factors and extracellular vesicles that dampen excess immune activity, improve local blood supply, reduce fibrosis and encourage resident cells to repair tissue. Only a minority of injected cells engraft long term, which is why the signalling role matters more than replacement.
- Immunomodulation — shifting the local immune response away from chronic inflammation
- Trophic support — growth factors that keep resident cells viable
- Anti-fibrotic activity — limiting scar formation in healing tissue
- Angiogenesis — supporting new microvascular supply
- Vesicle release — the basis of exosome therapy
What are mesenchymal stem cells?
Mesenchymal stem cells are adult multipotent cells found in bone marrow, fat and umbilical cord tissue. They can form bone, cartilage and fat cells in the laboratory, but their main therapeutic interest is signalling: they release factors that modulate immune activity and support tissue repair. They are not embryonic cells and are not pluripotent.
Key facts
- Type
- Adult multipotent stromal cells
- Sources
- Bone marrow, adipose tissue, umbilical cord
- Main mechanism
- Paracrine signalling and immunomodulation
- Not
- Embryonic, pluripotent, or a genetic therapy
What we know
- Defined by surface-marker criteria and tri-lineage differentiation capacity.
- Therapeutic effect in humans is attributed mainly to secreted factors, not engraftment.
What remains uncertain
- How long administered cells persist, and how that relates to any clinical effect.
Medically reviewed questions
This summary is general medical information, not medical advice, and not a promise of benefit. Figures are quoted ranges, confirmed in writing after a medical review.
Medically reviewed by: Prof. Dr. Erdal Karaöz · Last updated: · Editorial and evidence policy
Where do MSCs come from?
MSCs can be isolated from bone marrow, adipose (fat) tissue, umbilical cord blood and umbilical cord tissue. Wharton's jelly — the gelatinous tissue of the umbilical cord — is a common source because the cells are young, expand well in GMP culture and are collected non-invasively after consented, healthy full-term births.
The trade-offs between sources are compared in cord blood versus bone marrow.
What is MSC therapy used for?
MSC therapy is discussed for degenerative joint disease, autoimmune conditions, neurological conditions and metabolic disease. Evidence strength differs by indication — read our evidence review before drawing conclusions from any single claim.
How MSC quality is judged
Ask about identity markers (CD73, CD90, CD105 positive; CD34, CD45 negative), passage number, viability at release, sterility and endotoxin testing, and the release certificate you can read before treatment. Our documentation standards are described in credentials and quality and how to read a lab report.
Frequently asked questions
What are mesenchymal stem cells in simple terms?
They are repair-support cells found in bone marrow, fat and umbilical cord tissue. They can become bone, cartilage or fat cells, but clinically they are used mainly for their anti-inflammatory signalling.
Are MSCs the same as embryonic stem cells?
No. MSCs are adult multipotent cells taken from consented adult or perinatal tissue. They are not embryonic and are not pluripotent.
How are MSCs administered?
Depending on the indication: intravenous infusion, intra-articular injection, intrathecal delivery or local injection. Route is decided during the medical review, not in advance.
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