Mesenchymal Stem Cell in Thyroid Disorders: Hype or Hope?

Abstract

Thyroid disorders, including hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid cancer, and nodular disease, represent a substantial global health burden. Current therapeutic options are often inadequate, frequently necessitating lifelong hormone replacement or causing irreversible tissue damage. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as a promising therapeutic platform due to their dual capacity to differentiate into thyroid-like cells and modulate immune dysregulation. This review provides a critical examination of preclinical evidence supporting MSC-based interventions for thyroid disorders. We analyzed studies demonstrating MSC potential in restoring thyroid hormone production via thyrocyte regeneration, rebalancing T-helper 17 (Th17)/regulatory T cell (Treg) cell ratios in autoimmune thyroiditis, and inhibiting tumor progression through paracrine mechanisms. Key challenges, such as tumorigenesis risk from MSC-tumor interactions, source variability, regulatory complexities for standardization, and unresolved issues in differentiation protocols and safety biomarkers, are systematically evaluated. The primary purpose of this review was to assess the therapeutic potential and limitations of MSC-based strategies for treating thyroid disorders. The review emphasizes the critical need for the development of robust translational frameworks that address existing obstacles, including the refinement of differentiation protocols, establishment of safety biomarkers, and exploration of engineered MSC-derived extracellular vesicles with targeted therapies, to bridge the gap between preclinical promise and clinical application.