Research Summary:
Stem cells are precursor cells present in many tissues with the ability to differentiate into various types of cells. This interesting property of plasticity can have therapeutic implications, and there has been substantial research in this field over the last few decades. As a result, stem cell therapy is now used as a therapeutic modality in many conditions, and it has made its way into dermatology as well.
Stem cells can be classified based on their source and differentiating capacity. In the skin, they are present in the inter-follicular epidermis, hair follicle, dermis, and adipose tissue, helping to maintain normal skin homeostasis, as well as repair and regenerate tissue during injury. Due to their unique properties, they have been employed in the treatment of several dermatoses, including systemic sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleromyxedema, alopecia, Merkel cell carcinoma, pemphigus vulgaris, psoriasis, wound healing, epidermolysis bullosa, and even aesthetic medicine, with variable success.
The advent of stem cell therapy has undoubtedly brought us closer to curative treatment of disorders previously considered untreatable. However, multiple gaps need to be addressed, including ideal patient selection, timing of intervention, appropriate conditioning regimens, post-intervention care, and cost-effectiveness. Further research in these aspects would help optimize the results of stem cell therapy.
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Key words: Dermatology, pemphigus, stem cell therapy, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis.