Extract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality due to limited therapeutic options for the persistent pulmonary and systemic inflammation that characterises this condition [1]. Recently, pre-clinical studies of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in COPD demonstrate efficacy in alleviating inflammation and reducing emphysema following either systemic or intra-tracheal administration [2, 3]. Human trials have demonstrated that MSCs did not improve spirometry following their administration to COPD patients; however, it was reported that C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker for systemic inflammation, was reduced 1–3 months after infusion. Earlier time-points were not assessed in detail in these trials, which limits further investigation of these changes [4, 5]. Identifying the fate of intravenously infused MSCs and the potential implications of their biodistribution, as well as short-term MSC-induced systemic changes that were not explored in previous trials will better delineate the utility of MSC treatment for COPD.
Abstract
Mesenchymal stromal cell infusion may provide an alternative immune-based therapeutic option for COPD patients http://ow.ly/5DpA30hQS6y
Acknowledgements
The authors thank study participants and staff at Cell and Tissue Therapies WA at Royal Perth Hospital for the preparation and handling of MSCs used in the study. The authors also acknowledge the use of facilities, and the scientific and technical assistance of the Australian Microscopy and Microanalysis Research Facility at the Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation and Analysis, University of Western Australia, a facility funded by the University, State and Commonwealth Governments. We also thank the Medical Research Foundation at Royal Perth Hospital for the use of their laboratory facilities throughout the study. This study was supported by funding from Therapeutics Innovation Australia (TIA) and a National Health and Medical Research Council grant.
Footnotes
This study was registered at the Australian clinical trials registry, number 12614000731695.
Support statement: This study was supported by funding from a National Health and Medical Research Council grant.
Conflict of interest: M. Sturm is a company director of Isopogen Pty Ltd; in addition, M. Sturm has a patent PCT/AU2014/001031 licensed (royalty free) to CTTWA. Y. Moodley has received honoraria for acting on scientific advisory boards from Boehringer Ingelheim and Roche, outside the submitted work.
- Received August 1, 2017.
- Accepted December 28, 2017.
- Copyright ©ERS 2018