LAUSR

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) were first isolated from bone marrow but they can also be derived from other sources such as adipose tissue and umbilical cord. MSCs are non-hematopoietic cells that have been shown to generate some mesodermal cell types such as cartilage, bone and adipose cells in vitro and they are known to play important roles in hematopoeisis [1]. There is extensive literature on the immunosuppressive effects of MSCs [2] and consequently, these properties are currently being utilized in various cell therapy clinical trials for many indications. The potential clinical applications of MSCs have generated much excitement within the regenerative medicine community but there is still a considerable lack of consensus within the field as to how MSCs exert their effects or even how to define them. Therefore, coordinated multi-institutional and multinational efforts are needed to standardize approaches both at the bench and in the clinic. This commentary summarizes proceedings from a workshop at the Centre of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Kings College London on 29–30 November 2016, to discuss and assess the current landscape of MSC research taking place across the UK and Europe. The workshop focused on current research in the field as well as the factors that both facilitate and impede the translation of preclinical results into effective treatment in the clinic. The workshop was hosted by both the Immunomodulation and Safety Hubs of the UK Regenerative Medicine Platform (UKRMP) and was attended by more than 50 international experts in cellular therapies. This commentary encapsulates the discussions that took place on the second day of the workshop, which focused on three separate themes: patient stratification for new trials, harmonization of preclinical and clinical studies at an international level, and expediting clinical trials. The following scientific experts were present: Andrew Hope (Biomedical Research Centre at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and King’s College London, UK); Patricia Murray and Bettina Wilm (University of Liverpool and UKRMP, UK); Brigitte Wieles, Marlies Reinders and Koen Schepers (Leiden University, UK); Francesco Dazzi and Christina Trento (King’s College London and UKRMP, UK); Ian McKay (Department of Health, UK); John Girdlestone (NHS Blood and Transplant, UK), and Tammy Kalber (University College London and UKRMP, UK).