by Shoot To Thrill Media | Oct 23, 2025 | Lupus
Medical Review: Dr. Gerald Mastaw, MD – Board-Certified Physician
Last Updated: October 2025
What Is Lupus?
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect nearly any organ in the body.
When the immune system, which normally protects against infection, starts attacking healthy tissues, widespread inflammation and tissue damage can occur.
The most common form is Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).
Because lupus can look different from person to person, symptoms may range from mild fatigue to severe organ involvement.
Common Symptoms Include:
- Joint or muscle pain
- Fatigue or “flu-like” malaise
- Butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks or nose
- Sensitivity to sunlight
- Fever, hair loss, or mouth ulcers
- In more advanced cases, kidney, heart, lung, or nervous-system inflammation
People often experience flares, periods when symptoms worsen, followed by times of remission when symptoms ease.
Traditional Treatment Options
Current lupus care focuses on reducing inflammation, controlling symptoms, and preventing organ damage.
Common approaches include:
- Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) for pain and swelling
- Corticosteroids to control flares
- Immunosuppressants (e.g., azathioprine, mycophenolate, cyclophosphamide)
- Biologic therapies targeting specific immune pathways (such as belimumab or anifrolumab)
- Lifestyle management: stress reduction, sun protection, and gentle exercise
While these therapies can help many patients, some continue to experience flares or medication side effects, and complete disease control may remain challenging.
How Regenerative Medicine Could Help
Regenerative medicine introduces a new perspective for patients living with autoimmune conditions like lupus.
Rather than simply suppressing the immune system, umbilical-cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UCT-MSCs) aim to rebalance it.
Potential Benefits of UCT-MSCs in Lupus:
- Calm overactive immune responses by reducing inflammatory cytokines
- Encourage regulatory immune cells, helping restore balance instead of total suppression
- Release trophic and anti-inflammatory factors that aid in tissue repair
- Potentially reduce disease flares and support long-term stability
In research settings, UCT-MSCs have been shown to be well-tolerated, and some studies suggest they can improve disease activity and quality of life in patients with moderate to severe lupus.
Important:
MSC-based regenerative therapies for lupus are investigational and not FDA-approved.
They are being studied as adjunctive options for patients who have not responded fully to conventional care.
Recent Clinical Studies of Regenerative Stem Cell Therapy for Lupus
2025 – Double-Blind RCT Using MSC Secretome
Title: Umbilical Cord MSC-Derived Secretome as a Potential Treatment for SLE: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
Journal: Stem Cell Research & Therapy – Full Text
Summary:
Twenty-nine women with active lupus received weekly injections of MSC-secretome (the bioactive solution produced by MSCs) or placebo for six weeks.
Patients receiving MSC-secretome had significant reductions in lupus disease activity scores and improved immune markers such as complement C3 and lower inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α).
The treatment was safe and well-tolerated, with no severe adverse events.
2025 – Meta-Analysis Across Autoimmune Diseases (Including Lupus)
Title: Efficacy and Safety of MSC Transplantation in Autoimmune and Rheumatic Diseases
Journal: Stem Cell Research & Therapy – Full Text
Summary:
This large review analyzed 42 randomized trials (2,183 patients).
In lupus subgroups, MSC therapy significantly lowered SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) scores (SMD ≈ –2.32, p=0.0003).
No increase in adverse events was found versus controls.
Researchers concluded MSC therapy is safe and shows measurable improvement in lupus disease activity.
2024 – Phase 1 Dose-Escalation Trial in France
Title: Allogeneic UC-MSC Therapy for Refractory Lupus: A Phase 1 Study
Journal: PubMed Central – Full Text
Summary:
Eight patients with severe, treatment-resistant lupus received escalating doses of UC-MSCs (2–4 million cells/kg).
Treatment was well-tolerated, with only mild transient infusion reactions in two participants.
Over a year of follow-up, disease activity stabilized or improved, supporting safety even at higher doses.
2022 – Phase 1 UC-MSC Trial for Refractory SLE
Title: Safety, Immunologic Effects, and Clinical Response of UC-MSCs in SLE
Journal: Frontiers in Immunology – Full Text
Summary:
Six patients with active lupus unresponsive to medication received a single UC-MSC infusion (1×10⁶ cells/kg).
By 24 weeks, 83% achieved the lupus responder endpoint (SRI-4), showing reduced disease activity and normalization of B-cell profiles.
No serious side effects occurred.
The trial concluded UC-MSC infusion was safe and associated with meaningful clinical improvement.
Could This Be the Right Option for You?
You may wish to explore regenerative options if you:
- Have systemic or cutaneous lupus that remains active despite standard therapy
- Experience recurrent flares or medication intolerance
- Want to learn about immune-modulating, research-based alternatives that may complement current care
At Stemedix, we focus on patient-centered regenerative medicine backed by emerging clinical evidence. Our team reviews your medical history, current treatment, and goals to determine whether regenerative medicine approaches could be a safe adjunctive path forward.
Medical Disclaimer
This page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
Stem cell and secretome-based treatments for lupus are not FDA-approved, and outcomes vary by individual.
Always consult a licensed rheumatologist or qualified healthcare provider before making treatment decisions.
References
- Al-Shaer A. et al. Umbilical Cord MSC-Derived Secretome in SLE. Stem Cell Res Ther., 2025. Full Text
- Chen Y. et al. MSC Therapy in Autoimmune and Rheumatic Diseases: Meta-Analysis. Stem Cell Res Ther., 2025. Full Text
- Dubois M. et al. Allogeneic UC-MSC Treatment for SLE: Phase 1 Trial. PubMed, 2024. Full Text
- He L. et al. Safety and Immune Response of UC-MSCs in Refractory SLE. Front Immunol., 2022. Full Text
by admin | Apr 24, 2025 | Lupus, Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cell Research, Stem Cell Therapy
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease that can damage many different parts of the body, including the kidneys, lungs, brain, and blood system. Because it can attack so many organs, it often leads to serious illness and even death.
For many years, doctors have used medications like corticosteroids, cyclophosphamide (CTX), and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) to control the disease. These treatments have helped patients live longer and have reduced the chances of severe organ failure. However, even with these medications, controlling SLE can still be very difficult for some patients.
Researchers have also developed newer drugs that target specific parts of the immune system, such as rituximab, belimumab, and tocilizumab, among others. While these drugs have improved outcomes for many people, they can sometimes cause serious side effects or lead to the disease coming back once the medication is stopped. Because of these challenges, scientists have been searching for new ways to treat SLE, and one promising option is stem cell therapy.
As part of this review, Yuan et al. explore how stem cells are being used to treat lupus, including the different types of stem cells, the challenges involved, and what the future of treatment may hold.
Hematopoietic Stem Cells and Their Role in Lupus Treatment
Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are the type of stem cells that create all other blood cells. First discovered in 1961, HSCs have become important in treating both blood cancers and autoimmune diseases. In 1997, doctors began using HSC transplants (HSCT) to treat patients with both blood cancers and autoimmune diseases. The results demonstrated that not only did the cancers improve, but the autoimmune symptoms also got better.
Since then, many studies around the world have tested HSCT in people with SLE, and the results have been very encouraging – with patients even showing signs of what researchers call a “fundamental cure,” meaning their disease improved dramatically over the long term.
How Lupus Affects Stem Cells
SLE itself can harm the body’s natural stem cells. Research has shown that people with lupus have lower levels of circulating HSCs and endothelial progenitor cells (which help repair blood vessels). This loss of stem cells may be caused by an increase in programmed cell death, known as apoptosis. As a result, lupus patients may have a harder time repairing blood vessels, leading to problems like atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
Other studies have found that certain changes in the immune system can make stem cells more likely to die off. For example, increased activity in a pathway called mTOR has been linked to poor blood cell production in mice with autoimmune diseases. However, research has also shown the opposite, with lupus conditions causing an increase in stem cells that behave abnormally.
Because of these differences, the authors indicate the need for further research to fully understand how lupus affects stem cells.
Comparing Hematopoietic and Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Because of the challenges with hematopoietic stem cells, researchers have also explored using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). MSCs come from bone marrow, fat tissue, or umbilical cord blood, and they have powerful anti-inflammatory and immune-regulating effects.
Clinical studies have shown that about 60% of patients responded well to the treatment, and there were very few serious side effects. This finding opened the door to a whole new field of lupus treatment research.
One significant difference between HSCT and MSC therapy is that MSCs do not require the intense and risky immune system wipe-out that HSCT does. Instead, MSCs can be infused into the body and work to rebalance the immune system naturally. Because of this, MSC therapy is generally safer, has fewer complications, and is more affordable than HSCT.
Another reason MSCs are so promising is that bone marrow MSCs from lupus patients often show structural and functional abnormalities, which means that transplanting healthy MSCs from a donor could help correct some of the immune system issues at the root of the disease.
Animal studies have strongly supported the effectiveness of MSCs in treating lupus, and early clinical trials in humans have shown encouraging results. Phase I and II studies suggest that MSC therapy is both safe and effective for SLE patients, but further larger clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings and to better understand exactly how MSCs help heal the immune system.
The Future of Stem Cell Therapy for Lupus
Stem cell therapy offers exciting new possibilities for patients with SLE who have not had success with traditional treatments. Hematopoietic stem cell transplants have been shown to help many patients, sometimes even achieving long-term remission. However, because of the high risks and costs involved, HSCT is likely to remain a treatment reserved for the most severe and treatment-resistant cases.
Mesenchymal stem cell therapy, on the other hand, appears to offer a safer, more accessible option that could benefit a much larger number of patients. With fewer side effects, lower relapse rates, and easier treatment protocols, MSCs are quickly becoming a major focus of research into better lupus treatments.
At the same time, the authors continue to study exactly how stem cells work to regulate the immune system. They are also working on ways to improve the safety and effectiveness of both HSCT and MSC treatments. According to Yuan et al, goals for the future include finding better ways to prevent infections, lowering relapse rates, and understanding the long-term effects of stem cell therapy. Researchers are also exploring how to personalize stem cell therapies based on each patient’s unique immune system and genetic background, which could lead to even better outcomes.
Yuan et al. conclude that while traditional lupus treatments have made great strides over the past few decades, there is still a significant need for new and better therapies, especially for patients whose disease does not respond to standard medications.
Stem cell therapy, particularly with mesenchymal stem cells, represents a promising new frontier in the fight against lupus. Ongoing research and clinical trials will help clarify how best to use stem cells to treat SLE safely and effectively, offering new hope for people living with this challenging disease.
Source: Yuan X, Sun L. Stem Cell Therapy in Lupus. Rheumatol Immunol Res. 2022 Jul 6;3(2):61-68. doi: 10.2478/rir-2022-0011. PMID: 36465325; PMCID: PMC9524813.
by admin | Dec 21, 2023 | Lupus, Exosomes, Extracellular Vesicles, Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cell Research, Stem Cell Therapy
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a common multisystemic autoimmune disease that often results in multi-organ damage when left untreated. Currently affecting over 1.5 million Americans, the etiology and pathogenesis of SLE continue to remain unclear.
At present, glucocorticoids and immunosuppressants are the most prescribed course of therapeutic treatment and mostly as a way to manage and treat symptoms of SLE, not the cause itself.
Considering that the etiology and pathogenesis of SLE are accompanied by immune disorders including abnormal proliferation, differentiation, and activation and dysfunction of T cells, and that mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) play important roles in the immunity process, researchers are increasingly turning their attention to MSCs and EVs as potential therapeutic treatment options for SLE.
In this review, Yang et al. examine the immunomodulatory effects and related mechanisms of MSCs and EVs in SLE with hopes of better understanding SLE pathogenesis and guiding biological therapy.
Examining the potential use of MSC and MSC-EVs in SLE treatment the authors found some studies have established that MSCs reduce adverse effects of immunosuppressive drugs and when combined have demonstrated distinct effects on T cell activation and bias.
Additionally, Yang et al. report that MSCs are able to participate in the immune response in two distinct ways: paracrine effect and directly through cell-to-cell interaction. Since reconstruction of immune tolerance and tissue regeneration and repair are required parts of SLE treatment and since MSCs possess high self-renewal ability, rapid expansion in vitro and in vitro, and low immunogenicity, allogeneic MSC transplantation has demonstrated strong evidence for the therapeutic potential of MSC in SLE.
Besides the ability to repair and regenerate tissue, MSCs, and MSC-EVs have strong anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, making them a potentially ideal treatment option as part of a therapeutic strategy for SLE. Considering that MSC-EVs have similar biological functions with MSCs, but are also considered cell-free, the authors point out that MSC-EVs could be the better choice for SLE treatment in the future.
Despite the potential of MSC and MSC-EVs, Yang et al. point out that genetic modification, metabolic recombination, and other priming of MSCs in vitro should be considered before MSC/MSC-EVs application for SLE treatment. The authors also recommend further clinical evaluation of the time of infusion, appropriate dosage, interval of treatment, and long-term safety of MSC/MSC-EVs in the treatment of SLE before any form of the combination is used as a treatment option.
Source: “Immunomodulatory Effect of MSCs and MSCs-Derived Extracellular ….” 16 Sep. 2021, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8481702/.
by admin | Nov 2, 2023 | Lupus, Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cell Research, Stem Cell Therapy
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation to affect many different body systems including the joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart, and lungs.
Affecting over 5 million people worldwide, and associated with a wide range of symptoms, SLE is difficult to diagnose. Currently, there is no treatment to prevent or cure lupus and current therapeutic treatment options are only designed to treat and minimize the symptoms of the disease.
Considering their strong protective and immunomodulatory abilities, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been recognized as a potential treatment for various autoimmune diseases and inflammatory disorders, including SLE.
In this research article, Zhou et al. conducted a meta-analysis with the goal of assessing if MSCs are able to become a new treatment for SLE with good efficacy and safety.
Specifically, using predetermined criteria, the authors conducted a bibliographical search and statistical analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of MSCs for SLE. This search and analysis resulted in 10 studies comprising of 8 prospective or retrospective case series, including 231 SLE patients, and four randomized control trials (RCTs) with 47 patients with SLE in the case group and 37 patients with SLE in the control group, that fulfilled the inclusion criteria for this meta-analysis.
The authors found that all of the studies included as part of the meta-analysis of RCT and self-controlled studies with the exception of one indicated that MSC treatment of SLE can achieve better efficacy. Specific results of the RCT meta-analysis supporting this conclusion included lower proteinuria, increased serum albumin, and increased serum C3 at 3 months, lower SLEDAI values at 3 months and 6 months, and a lower rate of adverse events in the MSC group when compared to the control group.
Similar results were observed and reported from the meta-analysis of self-controlled studies. These results included MSC treatment significantly reducing proteinuria and the value of SLEDAI at 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, 4 months, 6 months, and 12 months. Further supporting evidence reported included improved values of SCR, BUN, C3, and C4.
While the results of this meta-analysis were overwhelmingly supportive of MSCs as a potential treatment option for SLE, the authors also noticed several limitations associated with their findings. These limitations included the small sample sizes of the included studies and the inconsistency of the severity of the patient’s disease.
Although more studies with larger sample sizes should be conducted to confirm these findings, Zhou et at. concluded that MSCs might be a good treatment agent for SLE in the clinic.
Source: “Immunomodulatory Effect of MSCs and MSCs-Derived Extracellular ….” 16 Sep. 2021, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8481702/.
by Stemedix | Dec 12, 2022 | Lupus, Regenerative Medicine
Lupus can be unpredictable, with symptoms that physicians frequently mistake for other illnesses. Since the condition causes the immune system to attack its organs and tissues, it can affect any area in the body, including the skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart, joints, and lungs. While some patients are more likely to develop lupus, the cause is unknown in most cases. However, regardless of the cause, treatments can help to manage symptoms. Here we will discuss what you need to know about Regenerative Medicine for Lupus!
What Is Lupus?
Lupus is a chronic or long-term autoimmune disease that can affect any body area. The signs and symptoms of lupus vary widely, depending on the organs or tissues that the immune system attacks. Most patients with lupus experience some of the disease’s most common indications, which include:
- Fatigue
- Joint pain, swelling, or stiffness
- Fever
- A butterfly-shaped rash on the face
- Skin lesions
- Shortness of breath
- Dry eyes
- Headaches
Since each case of lupus presents differently, patients often struggle to receive a diagnosis. In addition, lupus often causes flare-ups, where the symptoms worsen for some time before improving or disappearing.
The severity of lupus and the health conditions resulting from the disease depends on the system attacked during a flare-up.
What Is Regenerative Medicine?
Regenerative medicine aims to manage a condition’s root cause rather than manage its symptoms. By combining biology and engineering principles, regenerative medicine develops new treatments focusing on replacing and repairing damaged cells, tissues, and organs.
How Can Regenerative Medicine Treat Lupus?
Lupus and other autoimmune diseases may benefit from stem cells that can help boost the body’s ability to fight inflammation and regulate the immune system.
The Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) has funded a Phase II trial with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases to study adult stromal cells for treating moderate to severe lupus.
The study hopes to identify if stem cell therapy can lessen the long-term effects associated with lupus, reduce the need for medications, and stop the condition from damaging vital organs.
In the study’s Phase I trial, participants experienced significantly decreased lupus disease activity and sustained that reduction for 52 weeks. In addition, patients were able to reduce or maintain lower levels of steroids to manage their symptoms.
The Phase II trial will work with a much larger pool of patients in hopes of producing consistent results. As stem cell therapies and other regenerative medicine treatments continue to offer safe and effective results, those struggling with chronic conditions like lupus may finally find relief in this new blend of biology and engineering.
by Stemedix | Dec 28, 2020 | Lupus
Lupus is a systemic autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissue and organs. It’s characterized by widespread inflammation which can appear in different areas of the body, including the skin, joints, blood cells, kidneys, brain, heart, and lungs. Oftentimes, lupus is challenging to diagnose, as its symptoms can vary widely and mimic other conditions. Receiving a diagnosis can bring relief in some ways, as it puts a name to an array of frustrating symptoms. Yet, it also means you’ll have to adapt to living with a chronic illness. Here are some tips for learning to live with Lupus.
Learn About Lupus
Everyone experiences lupus differently, which can make learning about lupus challenging. With that being said, there are helpful resources such as The Lupus Foundation of America to help you find out more about the condition.
You may have been experiencing an array of strange and uncomfortable symptoms that come and go. During lupus flares, symptoms such as rash, swollen joints, sores or ulcers, and fever can intensify. You’ll want to start tracking conditions leading up to flares to see if they occur in a pattern and an identifiable trigger brings them on. For instance, flares often arise after emotional or physical stress, as well as exhaustion, injury, and viral illnesses.
Find the Right Doctor
Since lupus is fairly rare, most general practitioners don’t see patients with the condition very often. To ensure you have access to the right treatment, you’ll want to see a specialist. Most people with lupus visit a rheumatologist, who specializes in systemic autoimmune diseases.
Once you’ve found a reputable doctor, you’ll want to discuss wellness strategies and treatment options. Your treatment approach may evolve, so know that you don’t have to explore all options right away. You might also consider adopting lifestyle strategies to help control symptoms, such as beginning a meditation practice to limit emotional stress.
Seek Support
Online support groups are rich with resources and firsthand accounts. Within these groups, you might be able to connect with someone whose symptoms are similar to yours and discuss treatment options that worked for them. You can also discuss the emotional and mental challenges that come with living with a chronic illness and turn to people who are ready to lend an ear. Lupus Warriors on Facebook, LupusConnect, and Lupus Research Alliance are a few options to consider.
Maintain Ongoing Care
You’ll want to visit your rheumatologist regularly, even if you aren’t having frequent flare-ups. With blood work and regular conversations, the doctor may be able to help you pinpoint which treatments and lifestyle modifications are working effectively to control flares. They might also help you explore complementary and alternative treatments to manage symptoms.
Many have begun to seek regenerative medicine, also known as stem cell therapy, as an alternative option for managing symptoms. Stem cells are considered the building blocks of life since they have the ability to self-renew and differentiate into specialized cell types. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be sourced from autologous or allogeneic tissues and act as immunomodulators that suppress the activity of T regulatory cells.
Since lupus impacts your immune system, you’ll also want to take care to minimize your risk for other illnesses. This includes staying up-to-date with vaccines and exams. If you live with lupus it will require some adjustments, most patients can live fulfilling, happy lives after their diagnosis. By learning more and finding the right care providers, you can begin taking control of your lupus and your overall health. Contact a Care Coordinator today for a free assessment!
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