Mesenchymal stromal cells and rheumatic disorders

•A vast literature exists regarding the in vitro behaviour of MSC and their impact on and animal models of disease. Very few randomised controlled trial data is available.•The current state of clinical application of MSC to rheumatic disorders is presented with emphasis on the need for standardised nomenclature, study design and prospective controlled clinical trials.•Most uncontrolled data regarding the clinical impact of MSC on SLE and other inflammatory rheumatic disease derive from a limited number of centres.