Frequency-dependent effect of intravenous administration of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell therapy for severe Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A case report

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that involves abnormal activation of immune response, affecting multiple organs, including joints, kidneys, lungs, skin, and the hematopoietic system, thereby impairing their normal function. Despite there being no cure for SLE, Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC) therapy offers hope for SLE patients because of its potent role in immunomodulation. Here, we report a case of a 65-year-old female battling with SLE for almost 30 years and on a treatment regimen consisting of several medications. Given the level of immunosuppression associated with conventional SLE treatments, the subject was initially enrolled as a participant in a study protocol designed to provide immune protection against COVID-19. The subject received multiple infusions of autologous Hope Biosciences adipose-derived MSCs (HB-adMSCs) which significantly improved her SLE symptoms and functionality that led the patient's physician to discontinue her Rituximab regime. Based on her response to HB-adMSC therapy, the subject was approved to receive a set of nine infusion treatments to specifically treat her SLE symptoms. Over the course of ∼ one year, the first six infusions were given on a monthly basis, while the remaining three were administered bimonthly - each with a dose of 200 million HB-adMSCs. Since the beginning of the treatment, the subject showed remarkable improvements in her SLE symptoms, as demonstrated by changes in her SF-36 questionnaire responses, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores, and C-Reactive Protein (CRP) measurements; however, worsening of the symptoms was noted later during treatment course (when the frequency of infusions changed to bimonthly). Although the shift in remission-relapse cycle is not fully understood, however, the data suggest that treatment frequency might be the key player. No serious adverse events occurred during the entire treatment period. Further research is needed to evaluate the results of this study.