Mesenchymal stem cells: a potential therapeutic strategy for IgA nephropathy

IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the predominant primary glomerulonephritis worldwide, characterized by the deposition of IgA-containing immune complexes in the glomerular mesangium. Despite advances in supportive care, there is a lack of IgAN-specific therapies capable of halting IgAN progression. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as a promising therapeutic target, owing to their immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and tissue repair properties. Accumulating evidence suggests that MSCs hold considerable therapeutic potential for the treatment of IgAN. This review summarizes the potential mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of MSCs in IgAN, with a particular focus on their roles in the gut, liver, and kidney, and discusses current challenges and future directions for MSCs-based therapies.