Can stem cells be used in the treatment of autoimmune diseases?

Yes, stem cells can play a role in the treatment of various autoimmune diseases. These cells possess the ability to transform into cells of damaged organs following contact with them. Thus, they are valuable in treating autoimmune disorders. Stem cells also are successful for repairing damaged nerves and muscles. Stem cell therapy may slow down, stop, or potentially reverse the progression of diseases. If a disease has advanced to a greater degree, treatments may need to be carried out multiple times. The outcome of the treatment depends on factors including the patient’s age, their overall health, and how long they’ve had the disease. 

Stem cells have the ability to regulate the immune system to turn off pathological stimuli while retaining its ability to fend off disease. More specifically, mesenchymal stem cells travel to inflamed tissue and begin to form anti-inflammatory substances. Mesenchymal stem cells also induce the formation of T regulatory cells, whose function is to protect the body’s cells from attacking itself. Some examples of autoimmune diseases that have responded positively to stem cell therapy include multiple sclerosis, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis.