Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a multipotent adult stem cell valuable in both research and clinical applications. MSCs can differentiate into various cell types, including osteoblasts (bone cells), chondrocytes (cartilage cells), adipocytes (fat cells), and myocytes (muscle cells). This pluripotent nature allows them to contribute to tissue repair and regeneration, making them essential for regenerative medicine. MSCs are typically isolated from various adult tissues, including bone marrow, adipose tissue, umbilical cord tissue, and dental pulp. MSCs adhere to plastic culture dishes, simplifying in vitro expansion and maintenance. This characteristic makes them relatively easy to handle and suitable for large-scale production. bFGF helps promote cell proliferation, prevents differentiation, and supports the maintenance of MSCs in an undifferentiated state. EGF can also stimulate MSC proliferation and inhibit differentiation, working in conjunction with bFGF to maintain MSC self-renewal. MSCs possess immunomodulatory capabilities, meaning they can suppress immune responses and reduce inflammation. The immunomodulatory effects of MSCs involve complex mechanisms that can impact both innate and adaptive immune responses. MSCs can directly interact with immune cells, such as T cells, B cells, dendritic cells (DCs), and macrophages, through physical cell-cell contact. These interactions can lead to the suppression of immune responses. Moreover, MSCs secrete various soluble factors, including cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, and extracellular vesicles (EVs). These soluble factors have immunomodulatory effects by influencing immune cell behaviour. MSCs can also upregulate the expression of IDO, an enzyme that metabolizes tryptophan in the microenvironment. Depletion of tryptophan and the accumulation of tryptophan metabolites can inhibit the proliferation of T cells and promote immune tolerance. MSCs secrete a wide range of bioactive molecules, including growth factors, cytokines, and extracellular vesicles. These secreted factors play a crucial role in tissue repair, angiogenesis (blood vessel formation), and the modulation of immune responses. MSCs are recruited to sites of injury or inflammation, where they promote tissue healing by secreting growth factors that stimulate local cells, enhance angiogenesis, and reduce inflammation. This regenerative capacity makes them attractive for treating conditions like osteoarthritis, cardiovascular diseases, and wound healing. MSCs exhibit low expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules and co-stimulatory molecules. This characteristic reduces the risk of immune rejection when MSCs from one individual are transplanted into another (allogenic transplantation). In their native environment, MSCs play a supportive role within the bone marrow stroma. They provide structural and functional support for hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and contribute to the hematopoietic microenvironment, which is essential for blood cell formation. Finally, MSCs demonstrate a relatively longer lifespan and resistance to senescence compared to other cell types. This characteristic enhances their potential for long-term therapeutic applications. For example, MSCs are being investigated for a wide range of medical conditions, including musculoskeletal disorders (e.g., bone and cartilage repair), cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, autoimmune diseases (e.g., graft-versus-host disease), and wound healing. Their versatility and regenerative properties make them a promising tool in regenerative medicine. We offer a wide product range of research reagents for studying mesenchymal stem cells, including CD31 antibodies, CD10 antibodies, CD34 antibodies, Leptin ELISA Kits, and Osteopontin ELISA Kits. Explore our full mesenchymal stem cells product range below and discover more, for less. Alternatively, you can explore our Surface Molecules, Myogenesis, and Osteogenesis product ranges.