Quality Matters: Dezawa MUSE Cells™ & Dezawa MUSE Exosomes™

Stem cell therapy is a fascinating and rapidly evolving field in medicine. It holds the promise of treating various diseases and injuries by harnessing the body's own healing power. "Dezawa MUSE Cells™ are the first and only MSC therapy that convinces clinicians and scientists alike because of its safety and efficacy. What the field has been waiting for more than 30 years, finally a stem cell treatment that works."

- Dr. Dominik Duscher

Longevity Medicine, Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Aesthetic Surgery Expert

What Are Dezawa MUSE Cells™ Stem Cells?

Multilineage-differentiating stress enduring (MUSE) cells are endogenous non-tumorigenic pluripotent stem cells found in the bone marrow, organ connective tissues, umbilical cord and peripheral blood. They are also a distinct subpopulation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) characterized by their ability to adapt to a wider range of cell types and higher stress tolerance.

When conventional MSCs are used in therapies for tissue repair, they can only

differentiate into osteocytes, chondrocytes and adipocytes. Dezawa MUSE Cells™ can directly differentiate into various cell types that comprise the tissue, leading to more comprehensive tissue regeneration.

The Discovery of Muse Cells

MUSE Cells were discovered by Professor Mari Dezawa and her team at Tohoku University in Japan in 2010. The discovery arose during research into adult stem cells and their potential for regenerative medicine. Professor Dezawa and her colleagues identified a specific subpopulation of stem cells that exhibited unique qualities like stress resistance and multilineage-differentiation, distinguishing them from other stem cells.

The breakthrough came when researchers observed that certain adult mesenchymal stem cells could survive in extreme environments, such as in the presence of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) or under serum deprivation, where most other cells would perish. These cells also expressed key Pluripotent surface markers like SSEA-3, which is typically associated with embryonic stem cells. This combination of resilience and pluripotency led to their identification as MUSE Cells.

Potential Benefits of Muse Stem Cell Therapy

1. Pluripotency Without Tumor Risk

• Muse cells can differentiate into cell types from all three germ layers: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm.

• Unlike embryonic stem cells or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), Muse cells do not form tumors.

  
  

2. Natural Homing Ability

• When injected into the bloodstream, Muse cells migrate directly to damaged tissues, guided by biological signals like sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P).

• This targeted approach enhances their effectiveness in tissue repair.

  
  

3. Stress Resistance

• Muse cells survive in harsh environments, such as low oxygen or high inflammation, making them ideal for treating injuries and chronic conditions.

  
  

4. Spontaneous Differentiation

• They can naturally transform into the needed cell type at the site of injury without external manipulation.

  
  

5. Broad Therapeutic Applications

Muse cells are being studied for a wide range of conditions, including:

• 🧠 Neurological disorders: Parkinson’s, ALS, stroke recovery

• ❤️ Cardiovascular issues: heart attack repair

• 🦴 Musculoskeletal injuries: spinal cord damage, muscle regeneration

• 🛡️ Autoimmune diseases: potential modulation of immune response

🧬 Immune Modulation by Muse Cells

1. Immune Privilege

• Muse cells exhibit a unique immune privilege system, meaning they can evade detection and rejection by the host’s immune system—even when sourced from another individual or species2.

• This allows them to survive long-term in host tissues without immunosuppressive drugs or HLA matching, which is a major advantage in clinical applications.

  
  

2. Anti-Inflammatory Effects

• Muse cells release anti-inflammatory cytokines that help reduce excessive immune responses.

• They respond to sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P)—a signaling molecule produced by damaged tissues—and migrate to inflamed areas, where they help calm the immune environment.

  
  

3. Tissue Repair and Immune Balance

• By differentiating into tissue-compatible cells at the site of injury, Muse cells replace damaged or apoptotic cells, which helps restore tissue integrity and reduce chronic inflammation.

• Their presence promotes a trophic effect, supporting surrounding cells and contributing to immune homeostasis.

  
  

4. Long-Term Survival

• Muse cells have been shown to survive for months in host tissue after intravenous injection, continuing to exert anti-fibrotic and immune-regulating effects over time.

  
  

This combination of immune evasion, anti-inflammatory signaling, and regenerative capacity makes Muse cells a powerful tool for treating conditions driven by inflammation—like autoimmune diseases, stroke, and even COVID-related complications

Muse cells offer several distinct advantages over donor-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from cord blood or cord tissue when it comes to treating traumatic brain injury (TBI).

🧠 Why Muse Cells May Be Superior for TBI Treatment

1. Targeted Homing to Brain Injury

• Muse cells respond to sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), a universal damage signal released by injured tissues.

• This allows them to selectively migrate to the site of brain injury, unlike MSCs, which often get trapped in the lungs after intravenous injection.

  
  

2. Pluripotent Differentiation

• Muse cells can differentiate into neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes, covering all major cell types needed for brain repair.

• Cord-derived MSCs are limited to mesodermal lineages and rely mostly on paracrine effects rather than direct tissue integration.

  
  

3. Immune Privilege

• Muse cells are naturally immune-tolerant and can survive in host tissue without HLA matching or immunosuppressants, even across species.

• Cord MSCs have immunomodulatory properties but may still require immune matching or suppression depending on the host response.

  
  

4. Survival in Hostile Environments

• Muse cells endure low oxygen, inflammation, and oxidative stress, which are common in TBI-affected brain tissue.

• MSCs are more vulnerable to these conditions and may have shorter survival times post-transplant.

  
  

5. Direct Tissue Integration

• Muse cells spontaneously differentiate into tissue-compatible cells at the injury site and help rebuild the 3D architecture of damaged brain regions.

• MSCs primarily act through bystander effects, secreting growth factors but not integrating as effectively into neural circuits.

  
  

🧪 Clinical Implications

Muse cells are being actively studied for stroke and neurodegenerative conditions, with promising results in functional recovery and long-term survival in host tissue. Their ability to repair, not just support, makes them a compelling candidate for TBI therapy.

Conclusion: A New Era in Medicine

Stem cell therapy represents a new frontier in medicine. While there are challenges to overcome, the potential benefits are immense. As research continues, we may see more effective treatments for a variety of conditions, improving the quality of life for many individuals.

The journey of understanding and utilizing stem cells is just beginning. With continued advancements, the future of medicine could be transformed by the power of stem cells.

A laboratory technician preparing stem cells for therapy.