Highlighting the interaction between immunomodulatory properties of mesenchymal stem cells and signaling pathways contribute to Graft Versus Host Disease management

Background Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (Allo-HSCT) has been increasingly used as a therapeutic approach for hematological malignancies. Several potential strategies have been developed for treating or preventing allo-HSCT complications, specifically graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). GVHD could significantly affect the morbidity and mortality of patients after allo-HSCT. Curative treatment and prophylaxis regimens for GVHD could reduce GVHD incidence and improve survival rate. Among these therapeutic strategies, mesenchymal stem cell (MSCs) mediated immunomodulation has been explored widely in clinical trials. MSCs immunomodulation ability in GVHD correlates with the interactions of MSCs with innate and adaptive immune cells. However, signaling pathways responsible for MSCs' impact on GVHD regulation, like JAK/STAT, NOTCH, MAPK/ERK, and NFκβ signaling pathways, have not been clearly described yet. This review aims to illuminate the effect of MSCs-mediated immunomodulation in GVHD management after allo-HSCT representing the role of MSCs therapy on signaling pathways in GVHD. Conclusion MSCs could potentially modulate immune responses, prevent GVHD, and improve survival after allo-HSCT. Previous studies have investigated different signaling pathways' contributions to MSCs immunoregulatory ability. Accordingly, targeting signaling pathways components involved in MSCs related GVHD regulation is proven to be beneficial. •Allo-HSCT has been used as a therapeutic approach for hematological malignancies.•GVHD could significantly affect the morbidity and mortality of patients after allo-HSCT.•Mesenchymal stem cell (MSCs) mediated immunomodulation has been explored widely in clinical trials.•Signaling pathways responsible for MSCs' impact on GVHD regulation have not been clearly described yet.•Targeting signaling pathways components involved in MSCs related GVHD regulation is proven to be beneficial.