Dystrophin expressing chimeric cells of myoblast and mesenchymal stem cell origin for enhancement of muscle regeneration and function

Background: Allogeneic stem cell therapies aim to restore muscle tissue after traumatic loss or muscular dystrophies. Limited engraftment due to allogeneic rejection is a major challenge. Muscle Derived Chimeric Cells (MDCC), created via ex vivo fusion of myoblast (MB) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), represent a promising therapeutic option. The aim of this study was to characterize human MDCC in vitro and to assess MDCC efficacy in engraftment and restoration of muscle function in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) mdx/scid mice model.