Abstract: Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are heterogeneous, multipotent cell populations that have become one of the most extensively investigated cell types in veterinary regenerative medicine. They can be isolated from a wide range of adult and perinatal tissues and have attracted considerable interest because of their immunomodulatory properties, broad secretory activity, and potential to promote tissue repair. However, increasing evidence indicates that MSCs should not be regarded as a uniform therapeutic product, as their biological behaviour is influenced by tissue source, donor characteristics, manufacturing conditions, and the recipient microenvironment. Likewise, their therapeutic effects are now understood to arise predominantly through dynamic interactions with the host, including inflammatory licensing, immunomodulation, secreted bioactive factors, extracellular vesicles, metabolic exchange, and responses to apoptotic cells, rather than through durable engraftment and direct tissue replacement alone. Although clinical evidence supports the use of selected MSC products in canine osteoarthritis and suggests promise for equine musculoskeletal disorders, most other veterinary applications remain preclinical or investigational. This review critically examines current knowledge of MSC biological identity, tissue-source diversity, molecular mechanisms, therapeutic applications, and comparative translational roles in companion and farm animals. It also discusses the challenges that continue to limit clinical translation, including biological heterogeneity, product characterization, potency assessment, manufacturing standardization, and regulatory considerations, and highlights future directions for the development of safe, effective, and evidence-based MSC therapies in veterinary medicine.
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Overview
This research article reviews the roles and therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in veterinary medicine for companion and farm animals.
It highlights the biological complexity of MSCs, their sources, mechanisms of action, clinical applications, challenges in translation, and future prospects.
Introduction to Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (MSCs)
MSCs are heterogeneous, multipotent cell populations capable of differentiating into various cell types and are widely studied in regenerative medicine.
They can be isolated from numerous adult and perinatal tissues including bone marrow, adipose tissue, umbilical cord, and others.
MSCs have drawn significant attention due to their immunomodulatory properties, secretion of bioactive molecules, and capacity to promote tissue repair.
Biological Complexity and Heterogeneity of MSCs
MSCs should not be considered a uniform or standardized therapeutic product because their biological behavior varies based on:
The tissue source they are derived from.
Donor-specific characteristics such as age, health, and genetics.
Manufacturing and processing conditions including culture methods.
The microenvironment of the recipient animal which influences MSC function after transplantation.
This heterogeneity impacts their therapeutic efficacy and safety profiles.
Mechanisms of Therapeutic Action
The beneficial effects of MSCs are predominantly mediated by their interactions with the host rather than direct tissue engraftment and replacement.
Key mechanisms include:
Inflammatory licensing – MSCs respond to host inflammatory signals which modulate their therapeutic activity.
Immunomodulation – MSCs can suppress or modulate host immune responses to promote healing and reduce inflammation.
Secretion of bioactive factors – These molecules include cytokines, growth factors, and chemokines that aid tissue regeneration.
Release of extracellular vesicles – MSC-derived vesicles carry signaling molecules that influence surrounding cells.
Metabolic exchange – MSCs interact metabolically with host cells to support tissue repair processes.
Responses to apoptotic (dying) cells which can enhance their immunomodulatory function.
Current Clinical Applications in Veterinary Medicine
Evidence supports the use of MSC-based therapies particularly in canine osteoarthritis, where MSCs may reduce joint inflammation and improve function.
There is promising but less definitive evidence for use in equine musculoskeletal disorders including tendon and ligament injuries.
Other applications in veterinary medicine are still largely in preclinical or investigational stages and require further validation.
Challenges to Clinical Translation
Significant challenges remain that limit widespread clinical use of MSC therapies in animals, including:
Biological heterogeneity – variability in cell preparations complicates standardization.
Product characterization – difficulty in defining clear markers and potency criteria for MSC quality control.
Potency assessment – lack of validated assays to predict therapeutic effectiveness.
Manufacturing standardization – need for consistent, scalable production methods compliant with good manufacturing practices (GMP).
Regulatory considerations – veterinary regulatory guidelines for cell therapy products are still evolving globally.
Future Directions
Development of better protocols to reduce MSC heterogeneity and improve reproducibility of products.
Advancements in molecular and functional characterization of MSCs to identify reliable potency markers.
Enhancing understanding of MSC-host interactions to optimize therapeutic strategies for specific diseases.
Integration of standardized manufacturing and quality control measures for safe clinical applications.
Further clinical trials to provide robust evidence for efficacy and safety across different veterinary conditions.
Regulatory frameworks adaptation to support innovative but safe veterinary cell therapies.
Summary
This comprehensive review highlights the considerable promise of MSCs in companion and farm animal medicine but also underscores the complexity and challenges faced in translating research into safe and effective treatments.
It calls for ongoing research, improved standardization, and regulatory progress to achieve evidence-based veterinary MSC therapies.
Cite This Article
APA
Talluri TR, Nag P, Rathore NS, Kues WA, Kumar D, Selokar N, Bajwa KK, Ansari MM, Bhattacharya TK.
(2026).
Promises and Perspectives of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in Companion and Farm Animals.
Int J Mol Sci, 27(18), 7978.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27187978
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