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World J Stem Cells. Jun 26, 2010; 2(3): 50-60
Published online Jun 26, 2010. doi: 10.4252/wjsc.v2.i3.50
Immunological properties of embryonic and adult stem cells
Francesco Bifari, Luciano Pacelli, Mauro Krampera
Francesco Bifari, Luciano Pacelli, Mauro Krampera, Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Section of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Pz.le Scuro 10, 37134 Verona, Italy
Author contributions: Bifari F and Pacelli L wrote the manuscript; Krampera M wrote and reviewed the manuscript.
Correspondence to: Mauro Krampera, Assistant Professor, Stem Cell Research Laboratory, Section of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Pz.le Scuro 10, 37134 Verona, Italy. mauro.krampera@univr.it
Telephone: +39-45-8074420 Fax: +39-45-8027403
Received: February 8, 2010
Revised: March 17, 2010
Accepted: March 24, 2010
Published online: June 26, 2010
Abstract

The possibility of treating degenerative diseases by stem cell-based approaches is a promising therapeutical option. Among major concerns for the clinical application of stem cells, some derive from the possibility that stem cells may be rejected by the immune system as a consequence of histoincompatibility and that stem cells themselves may interfere with the normal functions of host immune response. Therefore, the immunogenicity and the immunomodulatory properties of stem cells must be carefully addressed. Although these properties are common features of different stem cell types, some peculiarities can be recognized and characterized for their proper clinical use.

Keywords: Immune suppression, Embryonic stem cells, Mesenchymal stem cells, Immunogenicity, Regenerative medicine, Neural stem cells