Human umbilical cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells as adjuvant therapy for myocardial infarction: a review of current evidence focusing on pre-clinical large animal models and early human trials

Although biologically appealing, the concept of tissue regeneration underlying first- and second-generation cell therapies has failed to translate into consistent results in clinical trials. Several types of cells from different origins have been tested in pre-clinical models and in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have gained attention because of their potential for immune modulation and ability to promote endogenous tissue repair, mainly through their secretome. MSCs can be easily obtained from several human tissues, the umbilical cord being the most abundant source, and further expanded in culture, making them attractive as an allogeneic “of-the-shelf” cell product, suitable for the AMI setting. The available evidence concerning umbilical cord-derived MSCs in AMI is reviewed, focusing on large animal pre-clinical studies and early human trials. Molecular and cellular mechanisms as well as current limitations and possible translational solutions are also discussed.