Review Article: Immunological Basis of Stem Cells Use in Autoimmune Diseases Therapy
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32007/jfacmedbaghdad3177Keywords:
Autoimmune diseases, Immunological basis, Immune modulation, Mesenchymal stem cells, Stem cells-based therapyAbstract
Background: Stem cells are non-specialized cells of the human body. They originate from various parts of human body, that involve bone marrow, peripheral blood, and umbilical cord blood. Among the various kinds of stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells and embryonic stem cells have been utilized in animal studies due to their regenerative potential.
Objectives: To review eleven autoimmune disorders and highlight how stem cells, through their immune-related functions, may play a role in these conditions and then discuss stem cell-based treatments for the management of these autoimmune disorders.
Methods: This article structured to introduce the major characteristics and pathogenesis of the following autoimmune diseases: Autoimmune Addison’s Disease, Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Coeliac Disease, Crohn’s Disease, Graves’ Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Primary Sjogren’s Syndrome, Systemic lupus erythematosus, Diabetes Mellitus Type1 and Ulcerative Colitis. Also, it was shown the potential role of stem cells in the treatment of autoimmune diseases as a safe and effective therapy for autoimmune diseases, and compares the outcomes with standard therapies. Finally, it discusses the biological basis for stem cell-based interventions concept and characteristics of stem cells, with particular emphasis on their immunomodulatory and regenerative properties.
Results: Stem cell-based therapies treat autoimmune diseases through using two immunological pathways: immune reset by renewal of a new, more tolerant immune system and active immunomodulation by release of anti-inflammatory cytokines, initiation/expansion of regulatory T-cells.
Conclusions: The immunological basis of stem cells for treating autoimmune illnesses lies in their capacity to modify the immune reaction and induce tissue regeneration.
Received: 17 Jul. 2026,
Revised:25 Sept 2026,
Accepted: 26 Sept. 2026,
Published Online: 30 Sept. 2026
Published 01. Oct. 2026
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Copyright (c) 2026 Sarah Z. Hussein, Dalal R. Manshad, Dhuha A. Naji
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