Autoimmune Diseases: How Stem Cell Therapy Can Help

By: Georgette Virgo

Photo courtesy of Immunotherapy Regenerative Medicine

Millions of people worldwide grapple with autoimmune diseases, conditions in which the body’s defense system mistakenly attacks its tissues. According to the National Stem Cell Foundation, there are over 80 distinct types of autoimmune disorders. These conditions affect nearly 4% of the world’s population. 
From lupus to rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis to type 1 diabetes, autoimmune diseases can be debilitating, often striking individuals in the prime of their lives. Traditional treatments have focused on managing symptoms and suppressing the immune system. However, stem cell therapy offers new hope.
Dr. Ernesto Romero is a regenerative medicine expert and founder of the Immunotherapy Regenerative Medicine clinic in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. He provides an overview of how stem cell treatments work for autoimmune diseases. He mentions, “Stem cell therapy represents a paradigm shift in approaching autoimmune diseases. Instead of merely suppressing symptoms, we’re looking at potentially resetting the immune system and promoting tissue repair.”

Understanding Autoimmune Diseases: How Does Stem Cell Therapy Help?

Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system fails to distinguish between harmful foreign invaders and the body’s cells. This confusion leads to the production of antibodies that attack healthy tissues, resulting in inflammation and damage. According to Dr. Romero, the exact cause remains elusive, but researchers believe a combination of genetic and environmental factors plays a significant role.
Stem cell therapy has emerged as a promising treatment for autoimmune conditions. This approach mainly uses mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). These cells possess unique properties that make them well-suited for addressing the underlying issues in autoimmune diseases.
“MSCs have two primary mechanisms of action that make them effective in treating autoimmune diseases,” Dr. Romero explains. “First, they have immunomodulatory properties, which can regulate the immune system and reduce inflammation. Second, they have regenerative capabilities, potentially repairing damaged tissues.”
The immunomodulatory effects of MSCs are particularly crucial. According to Dr. Romero, these cells can suppress the activation of T and B cells, which are often overactive in autoimmune conditions, and stimulate the production of regulatory T cells, helping maintain balance in the immune system.

More About Stem Cell Treatments

Stem cell therapy for autoimmune diseases typically involves using MSCs derived from sources such as bone marrow, adipose tissue, or umbilical cord tissue. Doctors either harvest these cells from the patient (autologous) or obtain them from a donor (allogeneic).
Dr. Romero explains the process: “Once we have the stem cells, we usually administer them intravenously. This allows them to circulate throughout the body and target affected areas.”
The beauty of stem cell therapy lies in its potential to simultaneously address multiple aspects of autoimmune diseases. While conventional treatments often focus on symptom management, stem cells work at a more fundamental level. 
They help in disease remission, reduce reliance on medications, improve tissue repair, and improve immune function. Some studies have reported long-term remission in patients with severe autoimmune conditions following stem cell transplantation.
“When we introduce these cells into the body, they don’t just suppress inflammation. They also actively work to restore balance to the immune system and repair damaged tissues. This dual action makes stem cell therapy so promising for autoimmune conditions,” Dr. Romero adds.

Immunotherapy Regenerative Medicine’s Approach

At Immunotherapy Regenerative Medicine, the perspective on stem cell therapy is based on rigorous standards and a commitment to quality. The clinic specializes in stromal precursor therapy, a stem cell treatment that utilizes cells derived from the placenta.
“We use placenta-derived cells due to their unique properties and advantages over other tissue sources,” Dr. Romero states. “Our treatment protocols are precisely adjusted based on each patient’s condition and weight, ensuring a personalized technique.”
The clinic’s stromal precursor therapy works through two main processes: immune system modulation and tissue repair and regeneration. Dr. Romero explains that the cells secrete anti-inflammatory molecules and growth factors that help regulate the immune response while also migrating to damaged areas to promote healing.
“Our goal isn’t just to manage symptoms and potentially reverse or slow disease progression. We aim to modulate the immune system without complete suppression, a key difference from many traditional treatments,” Dr. Romero emphasizes.
More importantly, the clinic adheres to strict quality control measures and international standards in its stem cell therapies. The clinic’s laboratory is certified by the Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risk (COFEPRIS) or has equivalent FDA approval in Mexico. They also use a variety of fresh cells harvested and applied on the same day without freezing from different tissues.
“We prioritize patient safety above all by following rigorous protocols for cell collection, processing, and administration. Our highly trained and certified team continuously monitors and evaluates treatment outcomes,” Dr. Romero mentions. 

Stem Cell Therapies: Still Growing

While stem cell therapy is promising, Dr. Romero admits it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. The success of the treatment can vary depending on the specific autoimmune condition, disease severity, and individual patient factors. This is why Immunotherapy Regenerative Medicine’s personalized procedure for stem cell therapy for autoimmune diseases best suits these needs. 
For those battling autoimmune conditions, stem cell therapy offers hope—a chance to manage symptoms, reset the immune system, and promote healing from within.
Dr. Romero reflects, “As our understanding of stem cell therapies grows and improves, I believe we’ll see even more remarkable outcomes on regenerative medicine for patients with autoimmune diseases in the years to come, and we are glad to be part of it.”