Stem cell-based therapies for silicosis: mechanisms, sources, clinical translation, and emerging strategies - PubMed
5 days ago
- #stem cell therapy
- #silicosis
- #pulmonary fibrosis
- Silicosis is an irreversible fibrotic lung disease caused by exposure to crystalline silica, with no effective treatments currently available.
- Stem cell-based therapies, particularly mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), show promise in targeting key pathogenic mechanisms like NLRP3 inflammasome activation and TGF-β1/Smad fibrosis.
- MSCs have progressed to early-phase clinical trials for pulmonary fibrosis, demonstrating safety and potential for stabilizing lung function.
- Three key stem cell sources are discussed: MSCs, airway basal stem cells (ABSCs), and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), each with unique advantages and challenges.
- Challenges in clinical translation include GMP standardization, poor stem cell homing efficiency in fibrotic lungs, and safety concerns.
- Emerging strategies include CRISPR-engineered stem cells, stem cell-driven nano-delivery systems, and alveolar organoid models.
- Combination therapies and targeted approaches for silicosis-associated comorbidities are highlighted as future directions.