Psoriasis treatment using minimally manipulated umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells: A case report

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that usually manifests as a red scaly epidermis, induration, and hyperproliferation of basal keratinocytes. About 2% of the world’s population suffers from psoriasis but there are no clear therapeutics yet. Recently, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been regarded as a therapeutic alternative for autoimmune diseases, as they possess immunosuppressive effects without risks. Human umbilical cord-derived MSCs effectively regulate immune cells and are characterized by low immunogenicity, which has many advantages in treating immune diseases. CASE SUMMARY: The patient was a 47-year-old male, diagnosed with psoriasis in 1995. He had received various treatments for 25 years, but the psoriatic condition was not significantly improved. He was given three rounds of minimally manipulated umbilical cord-derived MSCs over 2 wk. The erythema gradually disappeared. Three months after the 1(st) round, all erythema completely disappeared, and the psoriasis did not recur. CONCLUSION: Minimally manipulated umbilical cord-derived MSC transplantation can potentially treat patients who suffer from psoriasis.