Mesenchymal stem cells for treatment of steroid-resistant acute rejection after liver transplantation

A patient with steroid-resistant acute rejection 50 days after ABO-compatible orthotopic liver transplantation (LT) received regular infusion of allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) after three sessions of steroid pulse therapy which failed to control the pathogenetic condition as shown by biopsy. Liver function improved gradually after intravenous injection of MSCs once weekly for 10 weeks (as confirmed by biopsy) and remained stable under administration of conventional immunosuppressive agents. There was no evidence of neoplasms 5 years after treatment. MSCs infusion appears to successfully reverse resistance to immunosuppressive agents and may be a useful treatment for post-liver transplant steroid-resistant rejection.