Abstract
Mesenchymal stromal cells (also often referred to as mesenchymal stem cells, MSCs) hold promise as a powerful tool in the treatment of human diseases. Because of their potent immunomodulatory properties, they are likely to impact in a positive fashion diseases in which inflammation and/or autoimmunity play a key role. Furthermore, they have been shown to possess plasticity as precursors of cells of various types. Their differentiation potential could span cell differentiation products that do not normally derive from the mesoderm, including cells of endodermal origin. These two remarkable features make them potentially ideal candidates for regenerative approaches. This chapter will briefly discuss the current state of the art in the emerging field of their use for autoimmune type 1 diabetes.