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Gene & Protein in Disease Stem cell-based antimicrobial therapy

influenced by the conditions and protocols employed The implementation of safety testing is imperative for
for their expansion. Variations in culture media, growth reducing the likelihood of unfavorable occurrences linked
factors, and cell density may lead to variations in the to stem cell therapy. Similarly, efficacy testing is essential
proliferation and differentiation potential of stem cells. to assess the potency of stem cell-derived antimicrobial
The transportation of stem cells to the location of infection interventions. The assessment of safety for antimicrobial
is a crucial factor to be taken into account in stem cell- therapies that utilize stem cells entails the examination
oriented treatments for combating microbial infections. of potential hazards arising from the transplantation of
The selection of the mode of administration may impact stem cells . The aforementioned hazards encompass the
[61]
the feasibility and efficacy of stem cells. An instance of stem possibility of immunological rejection, neoplastic growth,
cell accumulation in the lungs can be observed following and dissemination of pathogenic microorganisms.
intravenous injection, whereas stem cell retention at the
injection site can be observed following direct injection . Autologous transplantation, which utilizes the patient’s
[52]
The implementation of standardized protocols for the own tissues, or allogeneic transplantation, which involves
isolation, expansion, and delivery of stem cells can obtaining stem cells from a donor with a matching genetic
promote uniformity in stem cell quality and effectiveness profile, may be utilized to reduce the risk of immune
across diverse laboratory and clinical environments. The rejection. In addition, it is possible to manipulate stem
facilitation of the development and testing of stem cell- cells to express immunosuppressive agents, thereby
based therapies for antimicrobial treatment can enhance reducing the likelihood of immune rejection. To reduce
the translational potential of stem cell research into clinical the probability of tumorigenesis, it is essential to screen
practice. Furthermore, the implementation of uniform stem cells for mutations or chromosomal aberrations that
[62]
procedures can contribute to safeguarding the well-being may increase the likelihood of tumorigenesis . Stem
of patients undergoing stem cell treatments, through the cells can also be manipulated to express tumor suppressor
reduction of potential harmful incidents and the assurance genes or other components that lessen the likelihood of
of consistent clinical results. tumor development. Screening stem cells for potential
infectious agents and cultivating and storing them in a
Table 2 provides a clear overview of the challenges sterile environment are necessary to lower the risk of
associated with achieving consistent AMP production infectious agent transmission. Analyzing stem cell-based
by MSCs, highlighting the complexities and factors that antimicrobial therapies’ capacity to control infections and
researchers need to address for the successful implementation encourage tissue regeneration is necessary to evaluate their
of this therapeutic approach. Preclinical investigations effectiveness . To complete this endeavor, preclinical
[63]
have demonstrated the potential of antimicrobial therapies animal models and clinical trials on humans can be utilized.
based on stem cells . However, the implementation of
[60]
these therapies in clinical settings necessitates meticulous The efficacy of stem cell-based antimicrobial therapies
examination to ascertain their safety and effectiveness. in controlling infections, reducing inflammation, and

Table 2. Discussion of challenges in consistent antimicrobial peptides production by mesenchymal stem cells

Challenges in consistent AMP Description and explanation References
production by MSCs
Complexities in genetic engineering Genetic modification of MSCs to produce synthetic AMPs requires Herrmann
sophisticated techniques to ensure reliable and efficient production et al., 2021 [53]
Variability in MSC responses MSCs derived from different sources or individuals might exhibit varying Dunn et al., 2021 [54]
production capabilities, affecting treatment consistency
Regulation of AMP expression Achieving precise control over the levels and timing of synthetic AMP Zhang et al., 2022 [55]
expression by MSCs is challenging, influencing treatment efficacy.
Long-term stability of AMP production Ensuring sustained AMP production over extended periods without Teixeira et al., 2020 [56]
diminishing efficacy remains a technical hurdle
Immune response to engineered MSCs The introduction of genetically modified cells could trigger an immune Gao et al., 2022 [57]
response, potentially impacting treatment safety and effectiveness
Optimization of synthetic AMP design Designing synthetic AMPs that are both effective against a range of pathogens Chen et al., 2022 [58]
and compatible with MSC production processes is an intricate process
Microenvironment influence The local microenvironment at the infection site can impact MSC behavior Zhang et al., 2022 [59]
and AMP production, affecting treatment consistency
Abbreviations: AMP: Antimicrobial peptide; MSC: Mesenchymal stem cells.

Volume 2 Issue 4 (2023) 7 https://doi.org/10.36922/gpd.1230