Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
A Regenerative Approach Alongside Conventional MS Treatment
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) results from immune-driven inflammation and progressive neurodegeneration that damage the brain’s myelin and axons. While disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) benefit many patients particularly those with relapsing forms they do not directly repair the injured neural tissue, leaving progressive MS difficult to manage.
Stem cell–based therapy is emerging as a complementary option designed to reduce underlying inflammation, safeguard neurons and oligodendrocytes, and promote an environment suitable for remyelination and neural circuit restoration. Among various stem cell sources, human umbilical cord–derived mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs) demonstrate remarkable immunomodulatory and neuroprotective properties in both preclinical and clinical studies, making them a promising candidate for regenerative MS care.
How UC-MSCs may help in MS
UC-MSCs act less like replacement parts and more like cellular coordinators. They release a blend of growth factors, cytokines, and extracellular vesicles that (1) dial down overactive immune pathways (Th1/Th17 and antigen presentation), (2) promote pro-repair immune phenotypes (e.g., T-regulatory and regulatory B-cell support), and (3) supply trophic cues (BDNF, NGF, NT-3/4, GDNF) linked to axonal protection, oligodendrocyte health, and remyelination. In simple terms, they aim to turn a hostile CNS environment into one where surviving neurons and myelin-making cells can work better and where rehab and DMTs can gain more traction.
What the Research Shows
Emerging evidence suggests that UC-MSC therapy offers meaningful functional and biological benefits when added to standard treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS). In a 2024 phase I/II clinical trial, adults with MS received UC-MSC infusions and were monitored for a year. By six months, both treatment groups showed improvements in disability scores, while the two-dose group demonstrated broader advantages reduced lesion burden, thicker cortical regions on MRI, and enhanced hand coordination and cognitive processing speed.
Immunological testing revealed favorable immune modulation, including higher levels of CD4⁺ T-cell subsets, and gene-expression analyses showed reduced activity of inflammatory and antigen-presentation genes such as HLA-B. In the higher-dose group, additional declines in TNF-α, TAP-1, and miR-142 suggested a quieter neuroinflammatory profile. All participants tolerated treatment well.
Earlier prospective data reinforce these findings. In studies using UC-MSC infusions, participants experienced measurable clinical gains within one month, with most maintaining disease stability and showing no new MRI activityat one year an indication that MSC therapy can help recalibrate the body’s inflammatory baseline in a positive way.
Comprehensive reviews combining data from umbilical cord, bone marrow, and adipose-derived MSCs consistently show immunomodulatory, anti-apoptotic, and pro-remyelination effects across laboratory and early human studies. Reported benefits include improvements in EDSS trajectory, relapse frequency, neurofilament light (NfL) levels, and quality of life, depending on disease type and delivery method.
In essence, MSC therapy appears to quiet inflammation and promote intrinsic repair within the nervous system, leading to gradual, sustained functional improvement rather than rapid symptom relief.
Where improvements tend to show up
When stem-cell support helps, teams usually see change in three places. First is global function steadier EDSS trends, faster information processing, and cleaner hand function (captured by dexterity tests). Second is MRI biology reduced lesion activity and signs of healthier tissue (e.g., cortical-thickness stability). Third is immune tone biomarkers and gene-expression profiles that shift away from chronic activation toward regulation. These objective signals mirror what patients report: fewer “bad days,” easier walking or hand use, better mental clarity, and less post-relapse residue.
Why umbilical-cord sources are a strong fit
Comparative work highlights stem cell’ high proliferative capacity, stable karyotype, low immunogenicity, and rich neurotrophic secretome versus many adult-tissue MSCs traits that align well with MS biology (neuroprotection, remyelination, and immune rebalance). Reviews also note that both intravenous and intrathecal delivery have been explored in MS programs, each aiming to influence the CNS milieu; across trials and models, feasibility and target engagement have been documented with signals in clinical and molecular endpoints.
Our Treatment Approach at Vega Stem Cell (vegastemcell.com)
The treatment combines two key delivery methods for comprehensive support:
- Intravenous (IV) infusion: Promotes systemic recovery by reducing inflammation, restoring immune balance, and supporting overall cellular repair.
- Intrathecal (IT) injection: Targets the central nervous system directly to reduce inflammation in the brain and spinal cord, encourage neural regeneration, and enhance long-term neurological stability.
This dual approach aims to achieve both body-wide healing and localized neuroprotection, helping improve strength, mobility, and neurological resilience for sustainable, long-term well-being.
Putting it all together
MS persists when immune attack and neurodegeneration outpace the brain’s repair capacity. UC-MSC therapy is being developed as a multi-pathway support to reduce inflammatory drive, protect axons and oligodendrocytes, and promote remyelination. Clinical studies show improvements in disability and cognition, healthier MRI signals, and favorable immune and gene-expression shifts, with feasibility across routes and a trend toward broader gains with more comprehensive regimens. As evidence grows, careful patient selection and disciplined follow-up will help identify who benefits most. Our commitment is to translate this science into a clear, individualized plan that measures success in what matters—function, stability, and day-to-day quality of life.
Link to Articles
https://vegastemcell.com/articles/umbilical-cord-stem-cell-therapy-for-multiple-sclerosis/
https://vegastemcell.com/articles/multiple-sclerosis-treatment-using-stem-cells-3/