Advances in methods of improving migration and homing of mesenchymal stromal cells

Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) represent a type of progenitor cells which is characterized by self-renewal and differentiation potential. At the moment, many trials applying BMSCs for treatment of multiple diseases have achieved ideal therapeutic effect. However, current research shows that this process does not appear to be highly effcacious because only a few cells reach the target tissue after systemic administration. Herein, we review the current understanding of BMSCs' homing and migration, with a particular focus on the strategies that have been developed to ameliorate this process and provide some theoretical basis for clinical applications.