Lea Reemts

PhD Student

Dimitrios Mougiakakos

Project Leader

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are multipotent progenitor cells derived from tissues like bone marrow, adipose tissue, and umbilical cord blood. Known for their regenerative properties, MSCs possess potent immunomodulatory functions, closely interacting with key physiological barriers such as the endothelium and immune cells like monocytes and macrophages. In inflammatory states, the endothelial barrier often becomes compromised, leading to increased permeability, tissue edema, and systemic inflammatory spread. MSCs counter these effects by preserving endothelial integrity through the release of bioactive molecules that strengthen cell junctions and reduce vascular leakage, a critical factor in maintaining barrier function during inflammation.
Furthermore, MSCs play a dynamic role in modulating immune cell interactions at the endothelial interface, where circulating monocytes are often recruited to sites of inflammation. By interacting directly with endothelial cells, MSCs can influence the recruitment and activation of monocytes, shifting their differentiation toward anti-inflammatory macrophages. This process helps to contain inflammation locally and mitigates the risk of excessive immune activation that can otherwise drive tissue damage and systemic inflammatory conditions.
Through these endothelial and immune interactions, MSCs contribute significantly to immune homeostasis, making them promising candidates for managing hyperinflammatory conditions such as those observed post-stem cell transplantation or in autoimmune diseases. This study aims to explore MSCs’ role in stabilizing endothelial function and regulating monocyte and macrophage responses, deepening our understanding of MSC-mediated immune modulation. Enhanced insights into these mechanisms may pave the way for more effective MSC-based therapies targeting severe inflammation and immune dysregulation.