Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: Advances and Perspectives

Abstract

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a pulmonary disorder of unidentified etiology that advances relentlessly over time. The disorder features unrelenting parenchymal scarring that eventually brings about a deterioration in life quality and premature death. The disease advances gradually with a bleak prognosis, and few effective therapies are available today. Current approved IPF therapies, including pirfenidone, nintedanib, and nerandomilast, do not offer a cure, and their tolerability concerns hinder long-term clinical application. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) therapy, due to its advantages of multi-target anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, and tissue repair capabilities, has brought new hope regarding IPF management. The present overview focuses on exploring the applications of MSCs derived from different sources, such as bone marrow, adipose tissue, and umbilical cord, as well as their extracellular vesicles for the attenuation of IPF progression. Additionally, it aims to figure out how latest research on disease mechanisms can lead to new therapeutic targets and drive drug development forward. Currently, the treatment options for IPF are steadily increasing, offering more hope for patients with this devastating disease.