Mesenchymal stem cells for the treatment of neurological diseases: Immunoregulation beyond neuroprotection

An inflammatory response is often observed in neurological diseases, being characterized sometimes by activation of adaptive cells (T and B lymphocytes) and, almost inexorably, of cells of the innate immunity (microglial cells, macrophages). Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells represent a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of intractable neurological diseases given the possibility that they affect neurodegeneration both directly and indirectly, through their potent immunomodulatory effect. Here we will review the evidence, mostly deriving from preclinical studies, that MSC, beyond their ability to foster neurorepair, can ameliorate neurodegenerative diseases through their effect on associated immune responses.