Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy represents a promising approach for the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA). MSCs can be readily isolated from multiple sources and expanded ex vivo for possible clinical application. They possess a unique immunological profile and regulatory machinery that underline their therapeutic effects. They also have the capacity to sense the changes within the tissue environment to display the adequate response. Indeed, there is a close interaction between MSCs and the host cells. Accordingly, MSCs demonstrate encouraging results for a variety of diseases including OA. However, their effectiveness needs to be improved. In this review, we selected to discuss the importance of the immunological features of MSCs, including the type of transplantation and the immune and blood compatibility. It is important to consider MSC immune evasive rather than immune privileged. We also highlighted some of the actions/mechanisms that are displayed during tissue healing including the response of MSCs to injury signals, their interaction with the immune system, and the impact of their lifespan. Finally, we briefly summarized the results of clinical studies reporting on the application of MSCs for the treatment of OA. The research field of MSCs is inspiring and innovative but requires more knowledge about the immunobiological properties of these cells. A better understanding of these features will be key for developing a safe and efficient medicinal product for clinical use in OA.

间充质干细胞（MSC）治疗代表了一种有前景的骨关节炎（OA）治疗方法。MSC可以很容易地从多种来源中分离出来并进行扩展离体用于可能的临床应用。它们具有独特的免疫学特征和调节机制，突显了其治疗效果。它们还具有感知组织环境内变化以显示适当响应的能力。实际上，MSC与宿主细胞之间存在紧密的相互作用。因此，MSC显示出对包括OA在内的多种疾病的令人鼓舞的结果。但是，它们的有效性需要提高。在这篇综述中，我们选择讨论MSCs免疫学特征的重要性，包括移植类型以及免疫和血液相容性。重要的是要考虑MSC的免疫逃避而不是免疫特权。我们还重点介绍了组织愈合过程中显示的一些动作/机制，包括MSC对损伤信号的反应，它们与免疫系统的相互作用以及寿命的影响。最后，我们简要总结了临床研究结果，报道了MSCs在OA治疗中的应用。MSC的研究领域令人鼓舞和创新，但需要更多有关这些细胞的免疫生物学特性的知识。更好地了解这些功能对于开发用于OA临床应用的安全有效的医药产品至关重要。MSC的研究领域令人鼓舞和创新，但需要更多有关这些细胞的免疫生物学特性的知识。更好地了解这些功能对于开发用于OA临床应用的安全有效的医药产品至关重要。MSC的研究领域令人鼓舞和创新，但需要更多有关这些细胞的免疫生物学特性的知识。更好地了解这些功能对于开发用于OA临床应用的安全有效的医药产品至关重要。