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Mysterious stromal cells: How do they play key roles in various organs of the body?
Stromal cells, or mesenchymal stromal cells, are found in large numbers in the bone marrow, but are actually distributed throughout the body's organs. These cells have the potential to develop into connective tissue cells and play supporting and regulatory functions in different parts of the body such as the endometrium, prostate, and bone marrow.
Stromal cells are a class of non-hematopoietic, multipotent, self-replicating cells, which makes them effective tools in cell therapy and tissue repair.
Stromal cells not only support organ function, but also play an important role in the body's immune response, regulating inflammation through multiple pathways. These cells can help hematopoietic cells differentiate and form the blood elements they need. Recent studies have shown that they also play important roles in the transformation and growth of tumor cells.
Definition of stromal cells
A clear definition of stromal cells is crucial for scientific research. In the past, due to the lack of an accurate definition, various studies were unable to share resources, so today's stromal cells are called mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC). These cells are able to develop into a variety of other cell types, such as connective tissue, blood vessels, and lymphatic tissue.
All MSCs have the ability to attach to plastic and replicate themselves, and their anti-immunity makes them potentially useful in cell therapy.
Sources of stromal cells
Stromal cells are primarily produced and stored in the bone marrow until they mature and differentiate. As research progresses, scientists have discovered that stromal cells can also be found in a variety of other tissues, such as adipose tissue, endometrium, joint cavity, dental tissue, etc. As age increases, the function of stromal cells declines, and aged MSCs are less effective in therapy.
Relationship between stromal cells and cancer
During the normal wound healing process, local stromal cells change their phenotype and transform into a reactive stroma. However, under certain conditions, tumor cells can transform these reactive stromal cells into tumor-associated stromal cells (TASCs). According to the study, TASC secretions can promote tumor development and progression.
Tumor-associated stromal cells exhibit properties similar to normal wound healing, including neovascularization and immune cell infiltration, demonstrating their importance in tumor growth.
Immunomodulatory effect
Anti-inflammatory effects
One of the important properties of mesenchymal stromal cells is their ability to suppress excessive immune responses. Not only do they regulate cells of the adaptive immune system, they can also influence the function of the innate immune system. Through multiple pathways, stromal cells are used to prevent the development of autoimmune diseases.
Pro-inflammatory effectsWhile stromal cells are often known for their anti-immune properties, they can also switch to a pro-inflammatory state depending on environmental conditions. Their function is influenced by a variety of stimulatory factors, including IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha.
Role in hematopoiesis
Stromal cells play an important supporting role in the differentiation of hematopoietic cells. They not only provide help and nutrients, but also express adhesion molecules and affect the development and aggregation of hematopoietic cells.
Potential for future therapeutic applications
Mesenchymal stromal cells have potential applications in the intervention of various diseases. Their unique properties make them virtually undetectable to the immune system, which holds promise for the development of MSC cell therapies. In the future, stromal cells may play an important role in autoimmune diseases, wound healing, and inflammatory diseases.
These mysterious stromal cells seem to be revealing a new chapter in life science as our understanding of them deepens. So, what role do they play in your health and mine?
