Mitochondrial transfer from MSC to human T cells: A first evidence of a stem cell-mediated reprogramming of multiple immune cell function

Introduction: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are progenitor cells with immunosuppressive capacities that have fueled ample translation for the treatment of immune mediated diseases, achieving regulatory approval for the treatment of Graft versus Host Disease (GVHD). Though paracrine effects seem contributory, recent evidence suggests that cell-to-cell transfer of MSC mitochondria (MitoT) to target tissues is a new mechanism of action. We herein provide the first evidence of MitoT to T cells, also relating it to a novel immunomodulatory mechanism of MSCs.