CD146-positive mesenchymal stromal cells: A promising subtype for enhanced acute respiratory distress syndrome therapy

Table 1 Comparison of CD146+ and CD146- mesenchymal stromal cell properties relevant to acute respiratory distress syndrome therapy

Feature/outcome	CD146+ MSCs	CD146- MSCs	Ref.
Paracrine factor secretion	↑ HGF, VEGF, PGE2, Ang-1 (pro-repair)	Lower levels	Zhang et al[5], 2023; Hezam et al[13], 2023
Immunomodulation (T cells)	↑ Treg induction; suppress Th17 proliferation	Less immunosuppressive	Zhang et al[5], 2023; Wu et al[4], 2016
Macrophage effects (M1/M2)	Accelerated M2 polarization, ↑ phagocytosis	Slower M2 shift	Zhang et al[5], 2023
NF-κB/COX-2 pathway activity	Upregulated (↑COX-2, p-NF-κB)	Baseline levels	Current study
Endothelial barrier support	Enhanced VE-cadherin/ZO-1 stability, reduced leak	Weaker barrier protection	Current study

MSC: Mesenchymal stromal cell; HGF: Hepatocyte growth factor; VEGF: Vascular endothelial growth factor; PGE2: Prostaglandin E2; Ang-1: Angiopoietin 1; Treg: Regulatory T cell; Th17: T helper type 17; NF-κB: Nuclear factor kappa B; COX-2: Cyclooxygenase-2; ZO-1: Zonula occludens-1.