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Thanks for the information, @A MyLupusTeam Member, and say hi to Henry. It does make sense that autologous stem cells wouldn't require immunosuppressive therapy.
There have been a few trials on stem cell therapy for lupus published in the medical literature in the past few years, showing promise. However, safety and efficacy have still not been established. The trials typically study those who haven't responded to any standard therapies, and I think participating in a university clinical trial makes sense for those whose lupus is uncontrolled on standard meds.
These trials allow direct comparison of those receiving stem cell therapy against those who don't, and both safety and long-term effectiveness are monitored. This type of study can benefit both patients whose lupus is uncontrolled and the rest of us, as valuable comparison data is obtained.
@A MyLupusTeam Member
The need for lifelong immunosupression depends on the types of stem cells you receive. The cells that are autologous (your own stem cells) have same self-/recognition molecules as you. Therefore, no graft versus host response.
If stem cells are allogeneic (from a donor), then all stem cells, EXCEPT aTPSC TSCs and PSCs require immunosuppressants. Because they have different self recognition molecules, which will induce a graft versus host disease response.
GvHD occurs when self-recognition molecules are mis-matched.
1. If recipient has normal, non-immunocompromised, immune system it will destroy anything that is not self, be it bacteria, viruses, parasites, mold, fungi, or allogeneic stem cells.
2. if recipient’s immune system is compromised, then allogeneic entities have the potential to KILL the recipient.
The reason why aTPSC TSCs and PSCs are exempt is because they are so primitive they don’t have any self recognition molecules. So the recipient’s immune system cannot detect them and mount an attack (graft versus host disease response) against them.
Henry explains that the stem cells reduced by age and illness are progenitor cells masquerading as stem cells, which decrease with increasing age of individual.
aTPSCs are different. By retaining the telomerase enzyme, adding telomeres back to the chromosomes after each cell division, they have essentially an unlimited life span as long as they stay undifferentiated. This results in their presence throughout the lifespan of an individual. “Our oldest participant was 92 years old when they started their trial and passed away from natural causes at 98 years of age.”
Henry says, “Tell people at MLT I am thinking about them.
@EP--No, that shouldn't be true for autologous therapy. However, the regenerative capacity of autologous stem cells is reduced by age and illness, so it seems unlikely that our own stem cells would be a viable option for many of us. That's a great question, though! I hope you're doing well these days, Eileen. 💜
@A MyLupusTeam Member is that true for all stem cell therapies including autologous?
Lifelong immunosuppression is required with stem cell therapy, FYI.
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