ABSTRACT
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare chronic autoimmune disease characterized by angiopathy, inflammation, and fibrosis. The mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) has been identified as a promising choice for stem cell therapy in SSc due to its functional properties in vitro, which could address the pathological features of the disease. Preclinical studies using animal models of SSc have confirmed that MSCs reduce inflammation, and the degree of skin and lung fibrosis in vivo. The first human trials have reported that MSC transplant can reduce digital ulcers and improve circulation at the extremities, induce regression of skin fibrosis, and achieve some recovery of lung function.
