Applications of Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells in Immuno-Oncology Therapy and The Priming Ways to Boost Their Functions

Dear Colleagues,

Several types of stem and progenitor cells are being investigated as potential therapeutic cells for the management of cancers and other diseases. Among these populations, Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells (MSCs) display regulatory functions holding great promise in the field of immuno-onco therapy and regenerative medicine. These cells are involved in immunomodulation, resolution of inflammation and regeneration of injured/damaged tissues. Furthermore, MSCs can be home to tumor sites, interact with cancer cells and modulate the immune response to neoplastic diseases. MSCs, depending on several factors, may have a dual effect on tumor immune biology, cancer progression and metastasis. MSCs may suppress the anti-tumoral immunity and thus promote the tumor proliferation. On the other hand, MSCs may boost immunity against cancer and, therefore, inhibit the proliferation of tumors. The trophic and immunoregulatory activities of MSCs are mainly linked to their secretome and influenced by the local micro-environment. Depending on the signals received, MSCs will harbor a distinct profile and function known as plasticity. Mechanistically, MSCs display their effects by secreting a plethora of regulatory mediators including extracellular vesicles (EVs). These EVs contain different bioactive cargo, such as proteins, lipids and genetic material carrying some of the therapeutic effects of their cells of origin. Due to their properties, using MSCs for different immune-oncology indications is a promising therapeutic strategy. However, further understanding of the immune biology of MSCs in the context of tumors is required to guarantee their safety and efficiency. Characterizing the optimal priming ways to modulate the features of MSCs will strengthen their properties. Indeed, the identification of the specific phenotype and function underlying the plasticity of MSCs will open new perspectives for targeted cancer therapies.

This Special Issue of Biomolecules invites contributions (original research articles, reviews and other relevant contributions) that highlight our enhanced understanding of the applications of MSCs in the field of Immuno-Oncology Therapy and report on the development of novel therapeutic strategies in cancer therapy. 

Dr. Makram Merimi
Dr. Hassan Fahmi
Dr. Mehdi Najar
Guest Editors

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• immuno-oncology
• immunotherapy
• stem/stromal cells
• gene regulation
• epigenetics, immunoregulatory functions
• priming procedures