Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated skin disease affecting ~2% of the global population and characterized by erythematous, scaly plaques with keratinocyte hyperproliferation and systemic inflammation. Standard options (topicals, phototherapy, conventional and biologic systemics) can control disease but are not curative and may be limited by loss of response, adverse effects, or patient preference. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy has emerged as a regenerative, immunomodulatory strategy for autoimmunity, with umbilical cord–derived MSC Stem Cells (UC-MSC Stem Cells) offering low immunogenicity and broad anti-inflammatory signaling. In this context, minimally manipulated (i.e., uncultured) UC-MSCs Stem Cells are being explored to reduce culture-induced senescence or genetic drift while preserving potency.
Case Report Overview
The article details a 47-year-old male with a 25-year history of psoriasis, refractory to multiple modalities. He received three rounds of minimally manipulated UC-MSC Stem Cells (MM-UC-MSC Stem Cells) over two weeks: a combined intravenous infusion plus local intradermal injections at the first visit, followed by two additional local sessions at one-week intervals. Disease severity and quality of life were tracked using PASI (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index) and DLQI(Dermatology Life Quality Index). Baseline PASI 9.9 and DLQI 27 decreased to PASI 1.7 and DLQI 3 by day 122 post-first treatment; erythema cleared on hands, wrists, and ears, with no reported adverse reactions and no relapse during 5-month follow-up.
Cell Procurement and Characterization
Donor umbilical cords were screened (HBV, HCV, HIV, syphilis, HTLV) and processed via enzymatic/mechanical dissociation. The cell product expressed canonical MSC markers CD73, CD90, CD105 at high levels and was verified free of microbial contamination. MM-UC-MSCs were prepared for local (1×10⁶ cells/mL) and IV (3×10⁶ cells/mL) use in normal saline, with IV infusions delivered over ~1–1.5 hours.
Rationale and Mechanisms
MSC Stem Cells address psoriasis through immune recalibration rather than broad immunosuppression. UC-MSC Stem Cells are known to:
- Down-modulate Th1/Th17 pathways and promote Treg activity.
- Suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α, IL-17/IL-23 axis) and reduce dendritic-cell activation.
- Release trophic factors that stabilize keratinocyte behavior and support tissue repair.
- Offer low immunogenicity for allogeneic use due to low MHC expression.
The authors specifically emphasize the advantages of minimally manipulated (uncultured) cells, noting that prolonged in-vitro expansion can introduce aging-related changes, genetic instability, and reduced therapeutic efficacy, which MM-UC-MSC Stem Cells may avoid.
Outcomes and Clinical Signals
- Clinical efficacy: Marked improvement from moderate disease (PASI 9.9) to mild (PASI 1.7), with parallel DLQI improvement (27 → 3). The visible resolution of plaques and pruritus reduction were progressive, becoming pronounced by ~4 months.
- Time course: Minimal early change after the first two sessions, followed by steady gains consistent with an immunologic and microenvironmental reset that accrues over weeks to months rather than immediate “drug-like” effects.
- Safety: No adverse events (e.g., fever, dermatitis, nausea) reported; no relapse within the 5-month observation window.
Strengths of the Report
- Real-world, multimodal delivery (IV + local intralesional) reflecting practical clinical scenarios.
- Use of validated outcomes (PASI, DLQI) linking objective severity to quality of life.
- Detailed product characterization and donor screening supporting safety.
Limitations and Research Gaps
- Single-patient case report; outcomes cannot be generalized.
- Short follow-up (5 months) limits durability assessment.
- Lack of comparator arm (e.g., standard biologic therapy).
- Heterogeneity in dose, schedule, and route across the emerging literature; standardized protocols are needed.
- Long-term monitoring for immunogenicity or rare events is still essential.
Clinical Implications
This case adds to a growing body of evidence that UC-MSC Stem Cells therapy especially in minimally manipulated form may reduce psoriatic inflammation, improve skin lesions, and enhance quality of life with a favorable safety profile. For patients who cycle through topical agents, conventional systemics, or biologics, Stem Cells therapy could offer a complementary, mechanism-guided option focused on immune balance and tissue repair. Controlled trials with adequate sample sizes, longer follow-up, and standardized manufacturing/administration are the logical next step.
Conclusion
The reported experience with MM-UC-MSC Stem Cells in psoriasis shows clinically meaningful PASI/DLQI improvements, visible plaque clearance, and no adverse effects over 5 months. While preliminary, these findings support further clinical development of umbilical cord–derived MSC therapy as a regenerative, immunomodulatory approach for psoriasis particularly for patients seeking alternatives or adjuncts to conventional systemic and biologic treatments.
Keywords (SEO)
psoriasis stem cell therapy, umbilical cord MSCs for psoriasis, minimally manipulated UC-MSC, mesenchymal stem cell treatment psoriasis, psoriasis immunomodulation, regenerative therapy for psoriasis, PASI DLQI improvement, intralesional and IV stem cell therapy, allogeneic stem cell therapy dermatology, Vega Stem Cell, vegastemcell.com
Reference
Ahn H, Lee SY, Jung WJ, Pi J, Lee KH. Psoriasis treatment using minimally manipulated umbilical cord–derived mesenchymal stem cells: A case report. World Journal of Clinical Cases. 2021;9(23):6798–6803. doi:10.12998/wjcc.v9.i23.6798.