This book is the first devoted to the treatment of autoimmune diseases by hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and other cell therapies, including mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). It presents the work of international medical and scientific research teams devoted over the last twenty years to these treatments and the various cell therapies currently offered to patients. Both HSCT and MSC transplant seek to restore long-lasting immune tolerance with the aim of achieving remission of the autoimmune disease.
This book provides knowledge on the different types of stem cells and immune cells, on immune reconstitution after transplantation and on the principles of cell regulation. It exposes the ethical and economic points of view and makes it possible to assess the benefits and risks of these cell therapies compared to conventional treatments.
The first part of the book is devoted to the general concepts of the pathophysiology of these diseases and the mechanisms of action of the different modes of cell therapy, including HSCT, most often autologous, rarely allogeneic, and MSC transplants. The second studies the indications and results in each disease for which these treatments may be offered. This book thus constitutes the ideal manual of good practices of HSCT and MSC transplantation for these autoimmune pathologies: connective tissues (systemic sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis and vasculitis), immune-neurological diseases (multiple sclerosis, chronic inflammatory demyelinating neuropathy, optic neuromyelitis and Stiff-Person syndrome), dermatological diseases (psoriasis and pemphigus vulgaris), gastrointestinal diseases (Crohn's disease), and autoimmune type 1 diabetes.
This international reference work is an essential guide for transplant techniques, collection and storage of cells, conditioning protocols, infections and early and late complications as well as for the monitoring of patients with autoimmune disease and treated with cell therapy. The book is easily accessible in bound (hardback) or virtual (eBook) version on the publisher's website.
On behalf of Richard Burt, Dominique Farge, Riccardo Saccardi, Milton Ruiz & John Snowden: "Thank you to all the contributors".
