Therapeutic efficacy and distribution of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell spheroids transplanted via the portal vein into rhesus monkey models of liver fibrosis

Liver fibrosis can progress to end-stage cirrhosis and liver cancer. Limitations associated with liver transplants have prompted a search for more efficient alternatives. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were considered the most promising therapeutic strategy, but most of the MSCs injected intravenously are trapped in the lungs, rapidly reducing their survival ability.