Impact of immune regulation and differentiation dysfunction of mesenchymal stem cells on the disease process in ankylosing spondylitis and prospective analysis of stem cell transplantation therapy.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a rheumatic bone and joint disease caused by inflammation, erosion, and pathological bone formation. The pathological features of chronic inflammation, bone destruction, and pathological ossification occur due to the disruption of the body's immune regulation and altered bone remodeling balance. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have multidirectional differentiation potential and immunomodulatory functions and play an important role in immune regulation and bone formation. The immune regulation and osteogenic capacity of MSCs in AS are altered by factors such as genetic background, internal environment, infection, and mechanical forces that drive disease development. This review further evaluates the role of MSCs dysfunction in inflammation and pathological bone formation by analyzing the effects of the above-mentioned factors on MSCs function and also looks forward to the prospects of MSCs in treating AS, providing some ideas for an in-depth study of inflammation and ectopic ossification.