Allogeneic adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cell transplantation for refractory lupus nephritis: Results of a phase I clinical trial.

Background: Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) are known for their immunomodulatory properties. This study was performed to analyse the effects of MSC transplantation on treatment-resistant lupus nephritis (LN).

Methods: In this phase I trial, nine biopsy-proven LN patients refractory to standard treatments underwent systemic infusion of 2 × 10 allogeneic adipose-derived (AD) MSCs/kg and were followed for 12 months post-intervention.