Stem Cell and Exosome Therapy for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Stem Cell Therapy Offers Healing From Within
At Rejuve Anti-Aging, we regularly hear from people around the world asking if regenerative therapies can make a difference for those living with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). The good news? They absolutely can.
Traditional treatments for SLE can help manage symptoms, but they do little to actually repair or restore damaged tissue. Steroid injections, for example, don’t rebuild joint tissue—and over time, they may even contribute to further breakdown.
Regenerative medicine is changing that narrative. Stem cell therapy is emerging as a promising option for SLE, offering the potential for real healing—relieving pain, restoring mobility, and even helping some people work toward long-term remission. There is hope, and we’re here to help you explore it.
Struggling with SLE symptoms? Call (949) 787-9800 For Help Today!
A Regenerative Approach That Works
Lupus is a chronic condition that can cause pain, redness, and swelling anywhere in the body. According to the Lupus Foundation of America, about 1.5 million Americans—and at least five million people worldwide—are living with some form of lupus. While lupus can affect anyone, 90% of diagnoses occur in women between the ages of 15 and 44.
Often called an “invisible illness,” lupus may not be noticeable to others, yet it can have a significant impact on daily life. The exact cause of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is still not fully understood, but we do know it’s an autoimmune inflammatory disease. In SLE, the immune system produces autoantibodies—proteins created by overactive B cells—that circulate in the blood or settle in organs. This triggers immune complexes to form, leading to inflammation in multiple areas of the body, including the blood vessels, joints, kidneys, and skin.
One of the most serious complications is lupus nephritis (LN), which affects 50–60% of people with SLE. This condition causes kidney inflammation and can lead to kidney failure if not properly managed. Men with SLE tend to have more aggressive forms of the disease, with higher risks of both kidney and cardiovascular involvement.
At Rejuve, we believe knowledge is power—and understanding lupus is the first step toward exploring new, regenerative options that aim not just to manage symptoms, but to support real healing and a better quality of life.
How Stem Cell Therapy May Help With Lupus
Rebalancing the Immune Response
Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs), are capable of resetting immune function toward a more normal, quiescent state. Suppressing the overactive immune components that drive lupus while encouraging the restoration of regulatory balance.
Specific cellular effects:
MSCs can inhibit the proliferation and autoantibody production by B cells, counteract abnormal T cell responses, reset overactive dendritic cells, and restore immune tolerance.
Targeted immune suppression:
Unlike conventional treatments (steroids, immunosuppressants) that broadly suppress the immune system, MSCs preferentially migrate to sites of inflammation, offering a more targeted therapy with potentially fewer systemic side effects.
Long-term disease remission:
Studies have indicated that MSC infusions in some patients with refractory lupus have resulted in sustained improvements and long-term disease remission.
What Is Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cell therapy is an innovative medical treatment that harnesses the regenerative potential of stem cells to repair, replace, or regenerate damaged tissues and organs. Stem cells are unique because they can differentiate into various cell types and multiply indefinitely, making them essential in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.
Promotes Natural Healing:
By stimulating tissue repair and regeneration, stem cell therapy addresses the root cause of many conditions, supporting the body’s natural healing processes.
Minimally Invasive Procedure:
Typically administered through injections or infusions, stem cell therapy involves minimally invasive techniques, reducing risks and ensuring a faster recovery.
Personalized Treatment Plans:
Each therapy can be tailored to meet individual patient needs, considering their medical history and treatment goals for more targeted outcomes.
Potential for Long-Lasting Results:
While outcomes vary, many patients experience significant and lasting improvements in symptoms, function, and overall quality of life.
See What Studies Have Shown
Systemic lupus is a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disease that affects multiple organs and tissues throughout the body. Because the condition involves both an overactive immune system and ongoing tissue damage caused by inflammation, the most effective treatment would need to address both issues simultaneously: regulating immune function while also repairing and regenerating damaged tissue. Achieving this dual objective is essential for providing meaningful, long-term relief.
Stem cell therapy offers a unique solution, as it not only helps to restore balance within the immune system but also promotes healing and regeneration of injured tissues. This comprehensive approach targets the root causes of the disease rather than just managing symptoms.
Clinical studies and patient experiences have already shown highly encouraging results, with many individuals experiencing significant improvements in both disease activity and quality of life following stem cell therapy for systemic lupus.
Stem Cell Therapies for Systemic Lupus: Study Synopsis
Percentages and outcomes summarized from published studies and reviews. Definitions (e.g., “complete” vs “partial” remission) follow each study’s criteria.
| Study / Approach | Patients | Response / Remission Rates | Survival | Relapse | Main Improvements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSCs UC-MSCs Multicenter Trial (China) | n=40, refractory SLE | MCR 32.5%, PCR 27.5% (Total 60%) | 92.5% (12 mo) | 12.5% at 9 mo; 16.7% at 12 mo | ↓ SLEDAI; ↓ proteinuria; ↓ anti-dsDNA; ↑ C3; ↑ albumin | IV infusions on days 0 & 7 |
| MSCs Long-term Allogeneic MSCs (China) | n=81; up to 5 yrs f/u | CR 27%, PR 7% (Total 34%) | 84% (5 yrs) | 24% of remitters relapsed | ↓ SLEDAI; ↓ proteinuria; ↑ C3; ↑ WBC/platelets; ↑ albumin | Single or repeat MSC infusion |
| MSCs Refractory Lupus Nephritis (UC-MSCs) | Small cohorts | ~60% total renal response | Not reported | Not reported | Improved renal indices (proteinuria, creatinine) | Used after failure of standard therapy |
| MSCs Review Summary (multiple trials) | Multiple small cohorts | 60.5–75% remission | 92.5–95% | ~22–23% | Renal and systemic activity improved | Pooled/summary data |
| MSCs Randomized Trial (small) | Small n | Signal only (no precise %) | Not reported | Not reported | Lower proteinuria at 3 & 6 mo vs control | Early RCT evidence |
| HSCT Autologous HSCT (registry/pooled) | Multicenter, refractory SLE | Remission varies by cohort | ~76% (5 yrs) | Relapses common; some need ongoing therapy | ↓ disease activity; organ improvement | Higher TRM ~12%; reserved for severe cases |
Patterns:
MSC therapy: 60–75% response/remission, good survival (>90% in 1 yr), relapse ~12–24% in follow-ups. Best improvements in kidneys (proteinuria), immune markers (C3, anti-dsDNA), systemic activity (SLEDAI).
HSCT: Potential for durable remission but higher risks, reserved for severe refractory lupus.
Stem Cell Technology
Harness the power of cutting-edge regenerative science. Stem cells have the unique ability to transform into any type of cell your body needs, promoting natural healing and cellular repair at the site of application. As the foundation of regenerative medicine, these powerful cells adapt to your body’s needs, accelerating recovery and restoring function.
Ethical Sourcing and Screening
Specimen Collection
Advanced Processing Standards
Why Choose Us?
Patients trust Rejuve Anti Aging for results:
Best-in-Class Stem Cells & Exosomes We use the highest-quality, ethically sourced stem cells and exosomes on the market. Our Stem Cell products ensure maximum potency, purity, and safety for faster, more effective healing.
Cost-Effective Without Compromise: Our prices are competitive with overseas providers. We offer competitive pricing right here in the U.S., so you can receive the highest quality care, close to home, without sacrificing safety or results.
Proven Results: Our patients share stories of reduced pain, improved mobility, and a return to activities they thought they’d lost forever. We’re here to help you get back to living your life—safely, naturally, and with hope.
Call us today to book your free consultation.
Take The First Step & Schedule A Free Consultation
References
1. Wang D, Li J, Zhang Y, et al. Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell transplantation in systemic lupus erythematosus: a multicenter clinical study. Arthritis Research & Therapy. 2014;16(2):R79. doi:10.1186/ar4520
(n=40, refractory SLE, 60% remission, improved proteinuria, complement, serologies)
2. Gu F, Wang D, Zhang H, et al. Allogeneic mesenchymal stem cell transplantation for lupus nephritis patients refractory to conventional therapy. Clin Rheumatol. 2014;33(11):1611–1619. doi:10.1007/s10067-013-2413-5
(Long-term cohort, 5-year follow-up, 34% remission, 84% survival)
3. Sun L, Wang D, Liang J, et al. Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell transplantation for severe and refractory systemic lupus erythematosus. Arthritis & Rheumatism. 2010;62(8):2467–2475. doi:10.1002/art.27548
(Earlier pilot trial showing safety and renal improvements)
4. Wang D, Zhang H, Liang J, et al. A long-term follow-up study of allogeneic mesenchymal stem/stromal cell transplantation in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Stem Cell Reports. 2018;10(3):933–941. doi:10.1016/j.stemcr.2018.01.029
(Extended outcomes, relapse rates, renal and hematologic improvements)
5. Jayne D, Passweg J, Marmont A, et al. Autologous stem cell transplantation for systemic lupus erythematosus. Lupus. 2004;13(3):168–176. doi:10.1191/0961203304lu1001oa
(HSCT multicenter registry data, 5-year survival ~76%, TRM ~12%)
6. Alexander T, Thiel A, Rosen O, et al. Autologous stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for autoimmune diseases: update on current evidence. Bone Marrow Transplantation. 2017;52(11):1495–1502. doi:10.1038/bmt.2017.117
(Review summarizing HSCT outcomes in SLE and other autoimmune diseases)