Improving Stem Cell-based Therapy for Inflammatory and Immune-mediated Diseases

The popularity of stem cells as treatment for a variety of conditions has grown in the last two decades. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are the major stem cell harvested from tissues and used for cell therapies, but these stem cells can be highly variable in both quality and quantity (the amount that can be processed and produced). Using tissue culture techniques, researchers generated canine MSCs from more primitive stem cells. They hope this novel stem cell product can one day provide a readily available, off-the-shelf supply of superior quality canine stem cells for regenerative therapies. Researchers will examine the ability of this novel stem cell product to produce important anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory chemicals essential for successful treatment. Researchers will use this new information to assess the effectiveness of these stem cells to treat inflammatory and immune-mediated diseases in dogs, including inflammatory bowel disease and atopic dermatitis.