Uses for non-autologous mesenchymal stem cells

Patent Number: 6355239

This patent covers the use of mesenchymal stem cells that are either allogeneic or xenogeneic for the purposes of regeneration and/or enhancing hematopoietic graft function.

Since mesenchymal stem cells are immunosuppressive (at least locally), the use of immunosuppressants can be avoided. This patent would be interesting to use with islet grafts for the treatment of diabetes. I mean, some patents use Sertoli cells combined with xenogeneic islets for implantation and avoiding immune destruction. The use of xenogeneic islets together with xenogeneic mesenchymal stem cells may be an interesting alternative approach.

Alternatively allogeneic islets together with allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells may be a good way of enhancing efficacy of the Edmonton Protocol.

View this patent on the USPTO website.