Multipotent adult arogenitor cells

MultiStem’s main focus is immunological, with MAPCs mainly acting by producing factors regulating the immune system, protecting damaged and injured cells, and also promoting tissue repair and healing. The MAPCs in MultiStem have the ability to express a range of therapeutically relevant proteins and factors with the potential to reduce inflammation, protect damaged or injured tissue, and enhance the formation of new blood vessels in areas of ischemic injury. Immune-wise, it acts to rebalance the immune system, with studies by the company showing that the therapy acts by reducing inflammation (with reduced inflammatory cytokine levels) and lessening activation and migration of the peripheral immune system to the site of injury. Additionally, this therapy potentially may have therapeutic effects through decreasing activation of the peripheral immune response to the initial injury which then results in reduction of inflammation and thereby means less secondary tissue damage and scarring while also allowing for accelerated repair processes. These cells have also been shown to lessen adverse results of inflammation while reparative immune cells are activated. In summary, there occurs simultaneous upregulation of reparative immune responses and downregulation of proinflammatory processes.

Outside of immunological applications, MAPCs are also being investigated for ischemic injury treatment and cardiovascular repair. Compared to MSCs, MAPCs have a stronger angiogenic protein release profile while also inducing more extensively developed vasculature in a study. Additionally, MAPCs also hold potential in being a functional cell source for orthopedic applications and to also promote tissue regeneration and healing. Evidence exists that MAPCs can differentiate into cells of mesenchymal lineages which includes bones, bone marrow, cartilage, fat, muscles, and tendon -- giving reason behind the investigating of MAPCs for treatment of bone and cartilage disease. MAPCs, compared to MSCs, also seem to have greater inclination for endothelial differentiation.