Pulmonary fibrosis: Is stem cell therapy the way forward?

pulmonary fibrosis is multifactorial, involving environ-mental exposures, comorbidities, and genetic mutations. Current pharmacological treatments can only slow the disease progression, and lung transplantation is limited by donor availability and complications. Stem cell therapy has emerged as a potential alternative treatment for pulmonary fibrosis, in which stem cells modulate the inflammatory response, differentiate into lung epithelial cells, secrete growth factors and extracellular matrix components, and enhance vascularization and tissue regeneration. Various sources of stem cells, such as endogenous lung stem cells, embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, and mesenchymal stem cells, have been investigated in animal models and hu-man trials. Various delivery routes, such as intravenous injection, intratracheal instillation, and inhalation, have been tested for safety and efficacy. However, several challenges and limitations remain to be overcome, such as high costs, ethical issues, immunological compati-bility, cell survival and homing, and long-term out-comes. Further research is needed to optimize the protocols and parameters in stem cell therapy for pul-monary fibrosis, and to evaluate the clinical benefits and risks for patients.

Automated summary

Pulmonary fibrosis is a complex disease involving various factors, and current treatments have limited effectiveness. Stem cell therapy has emerged as a potential alternative treatment option, but there are challenges and limitations that need to be addressed. Further research is needed to optimize the protocols and evaluate the clinical benefits and risks of stem cell therapy for pulmonary fibrosis.