Role of mesenchymal stem cells in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Within the bone marrow stroma are multipotential cells which are capable of differentiation into a number of mesenchymal cell lineages. These cells, t ermed mesenchymal stem cells, have recently been identified and characteriz ed in humans. Many studies indicate that the bone marrow stroma is damaged following bone marrow transplantation. Since the marrow stroma is critical for the maintenance of hematopoiesis, its ability to support hematopoiesis following stem cell transplantation may be impaired. Animal models suggest that the transplantation of healthy stromal elements, including mesenchymal stem cells, may enhance the ability of the bone marrow microenvironment to support hematopoiesis after stem cell transplantation. Here the authors re view recent data that suggest that mesenchymal stem cells may possess thera peutic value not only for the repair of damaged mesenchymal tissues followi ng hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, but also as potential vectors f or the delivery of corrective genes. Curr Opin Hematol 2000, 7:358-363 (C) 2000 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.