The Suitability of Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Treating Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Skin Diseases: A Systematic Review

July 2025 in “ Dermatology Reports ”

Elena Pezzolo, Sara Di Leo, Paola Miceli, Alvise Sernicola, Luigi Naldi

mesenchymal stem cells MSC therapy immune-mediated inflammatory skin diseases alopecia areata systemic sclerosis systemic lupus erythematosus

Studysummary This review indicates that mesenchymal stem cell therapy may offer clinical improvements for immune-mediated inflammatory skin diseases, showing promise particularly for those unresponsive to traditional treatments, but emphasizes the need for larger, controlled trials to confirm these results.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy shows promise for treating immune-mediated inflammatory skin diseases (IMIDs) like alopecia areata, systemic sclerosis, and systemic lupus erythematosus, with improvements or complete remission observed in up to 100% of cases. A review of 18 clinical trials and 5 observational studies involving 609 patients found that adverse events were generally mild, and deaths were rare. MSC therapy may benefit patients unresponsive to conventional treatments, but further large controlled trials are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety due to the current evidence's heterogeneity.

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