Mesenchymal Stem Cells for the Treatment of Pneumonia Post Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a standard therapy strategy for most hematologic disorders and malignancies. Despite the improved survival attributed to advances in HSCT including transplantation techniques and supportive care, transplant-related pneumonia (severe pneumonia in particular) remains the leading cause of death for most HSCT patients and a major challenge for clinicians. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), a form of multipotent cells, have been applied in therapy for various intractable disorders. MSC exerts its therapeutic effect through various biological functions including immunoregulation, tissue repairing, self-renew and differentiating into various cell lines. The American Thoracic Society has also suggested MSCs as a cell therapy agent for lung diseases. However, MSC therapy for pneumonia following HSCT has not been well investigated. By investigating the efficacy of MSC treatment for HSCT-related pneumonia via comparing the outcomes in patients with and without MSC treatment, this study will provide a promising therapy for HSCT-related pneumonia.