Current Perspectives of Umbilical Cord Stem Cell Therapy for Treating Autoimmune Diseases
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Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a systemic and chronic disease in which abnormally activated T lymphocytes, especially due to an imbalance in Th17 and Treg population, causes an abnormal immune response associated with progressive joint disintegration. This effect is irreversible, and most treatments are geared towards inhibiting the function of these immune cells. Studies have administered over 100 million UCMSCs (cord blood and/ wharton’s jelly) intravenously and intra-articularly into patients with advanced RA. Scientists have found significant decreases in joint pain and stiffness, limb mobility increased, and an overall improvement in activities of daily living after 6 months. UCMSCs can curb the symptoms of RA directly or indirectly by enhancing immunomodulation by downregulating T-cell activation and proliferation markers and increasing Tregs, increasing homing potential, activating macrophages with reparative properties, increasing Th2 population (anti-inflammatory), and a significant decrease in the mean of disease activity joint score.