How do T-reg cells work in Stem Cell Therapy?

Regulatory T-cells, or T-Regs, are a type of T-cells that plays an important role in immune balance. They serve as the body’s peacekeepers, preventing the immune system from reacting excessively and attacking healthy tissues. Consider them traffic cops directing the immune system’s response. Thus, their functions are: 

Preventing overreaction

T-Regs inhibit the activity of other immune cells, such as T-cells and B-cells, preventing them from attacking healthy tissues. This is critical in preventing autoimmune diseases, in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own cells.

Maintaining tolerance

T-Regs assist the immune system in distinguishing between foreign invaders and the body’s own cells. This has the potential to reduce transplant rejection.

Suppressing inflammation

T-Regs produce molecules that reduce inflammation, a natural immune response that can occasionally become excessive and harmful.

When Do We Use T-Reg Cells

Some autoimmune diseases exhibit a noticeable decrease in T-Reg functions, which contributes to the dysregulated immune response and inflammation associated with these conditions:

1. Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
2. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
3. Type 1 diabetes
4. Crohn’s disease
5. Injures

Regulatory T-cells may be useful in treating these diseases because they aim to restore or enhance T-regulatory functions. This could potentially reduce the immune-mediated pathology associated with these diseases.

We only use autologous cells, or cells from the patient’s own body, for regulatory T-cell therapy

Get a free online consultation

If you have one of the conditions listed above and are exploring alternative therapy options, contact us to schedule a no-obligation online consultation. Our medical advisors will help determine if T-reg therapy is suitable for you or recommend other treatments available at Swiss Medica.

Dr. Aleksandra Fetyukhina, MD

Medical Advisor, Swiss Medica doctor

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Differences from Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (MSCs)

MSCs and T-Regs are two distinct cell types that serve different functions. We administer T-Regs to patients who have a T-Reg deficiency. In these conditions, T-Reg cells are crucial for controlling the immune system and preventing it from attacking the body’s own tissues.

MSCs, on the other hand, are usable regardless of their concentration in the patient’s body. The combination of T-regs and MCSs leads to more consistent results after stem cell treatment.

Before using T-reg therapy, we perform an immunogram to detect and record any decrease in the patient’s regulatory T-cell levels. This aids in the assessment of the patient’s immune status and the need for this treatment.

T-Reg Cells Collection and Preparation

This process requires the patient to visit the clinic twice: once for blood collection and later for the infusion of the prepared T-reg cells.

1. We collect approximately 40-60 mL of peripheral blood from the patient.
2. We keep these cells frozen until the next patient’s arrival. Cryopreservation preserves their viability and functionality, allowing for long-term storage and future use.
3. Prior to the patient’s arrival, we assess the state of the cells, activate and culture them until the required number is reached. It takes approximately 15 to 21 days.

How Do We Deliver T-Reg Cells

Before the therapy, we run various tests to assess the patient’s overall health and determine whether there are any contraindications to the procedure.

We use two ways to deliver the cells:

1. Intravenous administration involves injecting the cells directly into a vein, which allows them to circulate throughout the body via the bloodstream. 
2. Subcutaneous administration involves injecting the cells into the tissue layer just beneath the skin, where they can gradually absorb into the bloodstream.

Dosages

Initially, the treatment begins with a standard dose of 100 million cells, which is the minimum dose required to see the results of the treatment and progression thereafter.

Subsequent dosages, or titrations, can be adjusted based on the patient’s weight, ranging from 0.5 to 2 million cells per kilogram of body weight. This titration enables personalized dosing based on each individual’s needs.

Contraindications for T-Reg Cells

There are specific conditions that make this treatment unsuitable:

• Oncological diseases
• Chronic viral infections, including those in incubation period, such as HIV and hepatitis
• Recent contact with infectious individuals within the past 4 weeks
• Pregnancy
• Continuous usage of glucocorticosteroids
• Normal levels of T-Reg cells, which indicate a properly functioning immune system

Expected T-Reg Cell Treatment Results

The treatment’s therapeutic effect begins within 4 weeks of administration and can last up to a year. These time periods vary from patient to patient.

Contact us

To discuss your condition, explore treatment options, and understand potential outcomes, contact us to schedule a free online consultation with our medical advisors.

Dr. Aleksandra Fetyukhina, MD

Medical Advisor, Swiss Medica doctor

Your Name Please fill out this field Phone Please fill out this field E-mail Please fill out this field

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