Autoimmunity and Clinical Pathology Amelioration in SLE by Dexamethasone Primed Mesenchymal Stem Cell Derived Conditioned Media

This study investigates the use of dexamethasone-primed Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cell-derived conditioned media (DW) as a novel treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). DW demonstrated significant immunomodulatory effects, such as expanding regulatory T and B cells while suppressing inflammatory cells, and showed similar efficacy to hydroxychloroquine. Compared to dexamethasone, DW more effectively reduced autoantibody production and increased anti-inflammatory cytokines. In preclinical studies, DW reduced mortality, prevented proteinuria, and reversed symptoms like limb inflammation, seizures, and alopecia. Organ-specific evaluations confirmed DW's protective effects, suggesting it as a promising therapeutic option for SLE complications.