Perinatal Mesenchymal Stromal Cells: A Powerful Therapeutic Toolbox

Perinatal mesenchymal stromal cells are cells isolated from perinatal sources like the placenta, Wharton’s jelly, and the amniotic membrane. They are considered a medical waste and thus are easy to obtain and ethically more favorable. Compared to their adult counterparts, the broad differentiation potential of perinatal MSCs is widely researched owing to their early embryological origin. Therapeutic applications of perinatal stem cells include the treatment of diabetes, wound healing, pregnancy-related diseases, pulmonary disease, and inflammatory diseases. This chapter highlights detailed insights into the sources of perinatal stem cells, the isolation protocols, their biology, and their potential as a therapeutic agent. A special reference to the cellular and molecular interplay regulating the angiogenic and anti-inflammatory potential of perinatal MSCs is presented. The chapter further considers the various applications of perinatalMSCs in treating different diseases. Further, we discuss the possible future opportunities and the challenges in the usage of perinatal MSCs for cellular or cell-free therapy.