Journal of Stem Cell Research & Therapy

Abstract

Successful Reversal of Acute Lung Injury using Placenta-Derived Decidual Stromal Cells

Olle Ringdén, Martin Solders, Tom Erkers, Silvia Nava, Pia Molldén, Malin Hultcrantz, Helen Kaipe and Jonas Mattsson

Introduction: The placenta protects the fetus from the mother’s immune system. We have shown that placentaderived decidual stromal cells (DSCs) are immunosuppressive and can cure graft-versus-host disease. Acute lung injury (ALI) is life-threatening and has no specific therapy.
Materials and methods: A 33-year-old man with chronic myeloid leukemia developed ALI after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation and sepsis. Blood culture yield α-streptococci. He became hypoxic and chest radiography suggested acute respiratory distress syndrome. He required 15 L/min oxygen by mask.
Result: After infusion of 1×106 DSCs/kg on day +11 after transplantation, oxygen saturation instantly increased from 92% to 98% and stabilized. The requirement for oxygen decreased and was discontinued on day +16. Chest radiography improved and normalized. Elevated systemic levels of proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines G‑CSF, IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1, and TNF-α decreased. The patient was discharged on day +22 with normal chest radiography. He is alive and well nine months after transplant.
Conclusion: Stromal cells may be useful for ALI and deserves to be further explored for this indication.