The multifaceted role of mesenchymal stem cells in infectious diseases: antimicrobial properties, immunomodulation and tissue repair
7 affiliations
- 1Center for Applied Molecular Technologies, Institute of Clinical and Experimental Research, UCLouvain
- 2Laboratory of Histology, Embryology and Cytogenetics, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of Tangier, Abdelmalek Essaâdi University
- 3Mohammed VI Center of Research and Innovation, Mohammed VI University of Sciences and Health
- 4Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR)
- 5Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Arab American University
- 6Private University of Marrakech
- 7Liver Therapy & Evolution Team, In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology (IVTD), Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Abstract
Background: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as promising therapeutic agents for infectious diseases owing to their antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and tissue regenerative properties. Beyond their well-established role in tissue repair, MSCs and their secretome directly influence pathogen clearance through the secretion of antimicrobial peptides, extracellular vesicles, iron-sequestration mechanisms, and modulation of both innate and adaptive immune responses.
Knowledge gap: Despite extensive preclinical investigations, MSC responses are highly pathogen-dependent, with outcomes that can be beneficial, neutral, or even detrimental depending on the infectious context. The heterogeneity in MSC efficacy across different pathogens underscores the need for a nuanced understanding of their mechanisms of action and the development of strategies to optimize therapeutic outcomes.
Key findings: In bacterial infections, MSCs generally promote pathogen clearance and attenuate inflammation. Conversely, antiviral effects are often indirect, primarily involving the regulation of cytokine-driven immunopathology rather than direct inhibition of viral replication. Fungal and parasitic infections exhibit more complex interactions, with some pathogens exploiting MSCs as protective niches or reprogramming their immunological functions. Emerging strategies, including priming, genetic engineering, and cell-free secretome approaches, show promise in enhancing MSC efficacy. However, heterogeneity in cell source, manufacturing processes, potency, dosing, and timing remains a significant translational barrier.
Conclusion: Future development of MSC-based therapies should shift from a universal, one-size-fits-all approach toward pathogen-specific, tailored cellular or cell-free products. This transition requires the establishment of standardized potency assays, optimized dosing protocols, and clinically meaningful endpoints. Adopting a pathogen-oriented framework will be essential for advancing MSCs as effective anti-infective agents, especially in the face of rising antimicrobial resistance.
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BibTeX
@article{nyabi2026multifaceted,
title = {{The multifaceted role of mesenchymal stem cells in infectious diseases: antimicrobial properties, immunomodulation and tissue repair}},
author = {Omar Nyabi and Fadoua Temsamani and Assia Agalit and Karim El Bakkouri and Zahra Hendi and Feras Al Battah and Massoud Vosough and Karima Idrissi Serhrouchni and Mustapha Najimi},
journal = {Frontiers in Immunology},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.3389/fimmu.2026.1965154},
url = {https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2026.1965154/full},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - The multifaceted role of mesenchymal stem cells in infectious diseases: antimicrobial properties, immunomodulation and tissue repair
AU - Omar Nyabi
AU - Fadoua Temsamani
AU - Assia Agalit
AU - Karim El Bakkouri
AU - Zahra Hendi
AU - Feras Al Battah
AU - Massoud Vosough
AU - Karima Idrissi Serhrouchni
AU - Mustapha Najimi
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/06
JO - Frontiers in Immunology
DO - 10.3389/fimmu.2026.1965154
UR - https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2026.1965154/full
AB - Background: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as promising therapeutic agents for infectious diseases owing to their antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and tissue regenerative properties. Beyond their well-established role in tissue repair, MSCs and their secretome directly influence pathogen clearance through the secretion of antimicrobial peptides, extracellular vesicles, iron-sequestration mechanisms, and modulation of both innate and adaptive immune responses. Knowledge gap: Despite extensive preclinical investigations, MSC responses are highly pathogen-dependent, with outcomes that can be beneficial, neutral, or even detrimental depending on the infectious context. The heterogeneity in MSC efficacy across different pathogens underscores the need for a nuanced understanding of their mechanisms of action and the development of strategies to optimize therapeutic outcomes. Key findings: In bacterial infections, MSCs generally promote pathogen clearance and attenuate inflammation. Conversely, antiviral effects are often indirect, primarily involving the regulation of cytokine-driven immunopathology rather than direct inhibition of viral replication. Fungal and parasitic infections exhibit more complex interactions, with some pathogens exploiting MSCs as protective niches or reprogramming their immunological functions. Emerging strategies, including priming, genetic engineering, and cell-free secretome approaches, show promise in enhancing MSC efficacy. However, heterogeneity in cell source, manufacturing processes, potency, dosing, and timing remains a significant translational barrier. Conclusion: Future development of MSC-based therapies should shift from a universal, one-size-fits-all approach toward pathogen-specific, tailored cellular or cell-free products. This transition requires the establishment of standardized potency assays, optimized dosing protocols, and clinically meaningful endpoints. Adopting a pathogen-oriented framework will be essential for advancing MSCs as effective anti-infective agents, especially in the face of rising antimicrobial resistance.
SN - 1664-3224
ER -