Which types of stem cells are used, and which ones Han's United uses

Why the question “which specific cells” matters

When you research cell therapy for a loved one, materials from different clinics use terms such as “MSCs”, “iPSCs”, “haematopoietic”, “neural” and “exosomes”. These are different products with different evidence bases and different indications. There is no “best” option among them: there is a type suited to a specific task. This article helps clarify what lies behind each name.

What is a stem cell

A stem cell is the body's raw material. Its key properties are self-renewal (the ability to divide while maintaining its status) and differentiation (transformation into a specialised cell: a neuron, a cardiac muscle cell, a bone or cartilage cell). These properties make stem cells a tool of regenerative medicine: they help damaged tissue recover, directly or through the secretion of biologically active molecules.

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs)

Embryonic stem cells are derived from early embryos at the blastocyst stage. They are pluripotent: capable of differentiating into cells of virtually any tissue type.

Strengths. Maximum differentiation potential.

Limitations. Ethical and legal complexities of using embryonic material. A risk of tumour formation (teratomas) remains with direct transplantation.

In clinical practice. Not used in routine therapy in most countries. Han's United does not work with embryonic cells: this is a position of principle, regardless of the regulatory context.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)

Mesenchymal stem cells are the most studied type in Phase I/II clinical trials to date. They are obtained from bone marrow, adipose tissue, umbilical cord and placenta.

Terminology. UC-MSCs: umbilical cord derived mesenchymal stem cells. P-MSCs: placenta-derived mesenchymal cells. (Han's United Glossary, 22 May 2024.)

Strengths. Proven short-term safety, low risk of rejection, potent immunomodulation and neurotrophic support, ability to differentiate into bone, adipose, cartilage and muscle tissue cells.

Limitations. The effect is limited in time; a course usually consists of several procedures at intervals.

In clinical practice. The main subject of clinical trials in cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorders, ischaemic stroke, spinal cord injuries, osteoarthritis and autoimmune diseases. This is a core product of Han's United.

More about the MSC mechanism of action. According to a translated publication in the American Journal of Stem Cells (e-Century Publishing, 2025-08-15), the therapeutic effect of MSCs is due to paracrine activity: the cells secrete anti-inflammatory factors (IL-10, prostaglandin PGE-2), provide neurotrophic support (BDNF, NGF), reduce neuroinflammation and support tissue recovery. MSCs are also able to migrate to the site of injury and differentiate into the required cell type locally.

Haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs)

Haematopoietic stem cells are blood-forming cells. They are responsible for the continuous production of blood cells: erythrocytes, leukocytes and platelets. HSCs are found in the bone marrow, umbilical cord blood and in small amounts in peripheral blood.

Strengths. Decades of evidence: bone marrow transplantation has been performed since the 1960s.

Limitations. Used primarily for blood disorders: HSCs have low efficacy for other indications.

In clinical practice. Leukaemias, lymphomas, multiple myeloma, aplastic and sickle cell anaemia, congenital immunodeficiencies. This is a specialised haematological procedure requiring bone marrow transplantation centres. Han's United specialises in regenerative therapy, not haemato-oncology.

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)

Induced pluripotent stem cells are a relatively recent discovery (Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2012). Scientists have learned to reprogram ordinary mature adult human cells (for example, skin cells) back into a state very similar to embryonic.

Strengths. A source of pluripotent cells without the ethical complexities of embryonic ones. They can be made individually for each patient: there is no risk of immune rejection.

Limitations. The technology is complex and expensive. Direct clinical transplantation of iPSCs in patients is predominantly preclinical: there is no widespread use. The risk of tumour formation remains.

In clinical practice. Individual clinical trials: age-related macular degeneration, Parkinson's disease, type 1 diabetes, cardiac indications. Han's United has a research programme on iPSCs, but this is a future direction, not a current clinical product.

Where stem cells are sourced

Cell type is only half the story. The source from which they are obtained is no less important.

Umbilical cord (Wharton's jelly) → UC-MSC. “Zero-age” activity, no donor trauma. Primary source for Han's United.

Placenta → P-MSC, HSC, maternal, subtotipotent. Large volume of biomaterial. Also used by Han's United.

Umbilical cord blood → HSC + MSC. Haematopoietic transplantations, banking at a child's birth. Used by haematology centres.

Bone marrow → HSC + MSC. Standard for bone marrow transplantation, requires a puncture in the donor. Haematology centres.

Adipose tissue → AD-MSC. Large volume, requires liposuction. Orthopaedics and aesthetics.

Embryo (blastocyst) → ESC. Ethically restricted. Research laboratories only.

Patient's skin or blood cells + reprogramming → iPSC. Personalised, but expensive and preclinical.

Han's United works predominantly with perinatal sources: umbilical cord and placenta. This yields young cells without donor trauma and without the risks associated with harvesting from an adult patient (anaesthesia, painful puncture, recovery).

Which cell types Han's United uses and why

In clinical practice, Han's United uses umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSC) and placental mesenchymal stem cells (P-MSC). The choice is based on a combination of several factors.

Proven safety. MSCs are the most studied type of stem cells in Phase I/II clinical trials, including for children.

Immunological compatibility. UC-MSCs possess immune privilege: they can be used allogeneically (from a donor) without the need for blood group or HLA matching.

Ethical comfort. Perinatal sources are collected after planned deliveries: they are not associated with the use of embryonic material and do not require collection from a living adult donor.

Standardised workflow. The Han's United research team, led by Academician Han Zhongchao (韩忠朝), has been working since 2007 on technology for isolating and culturing umbilical cord MSCs. The two-step enzymatic method was described in an international scientific publication in 2006, which has been cited 925 times to date, 330 times the average number of citations for Chinese scientists in SCI journals. In 2010, Italian researcher Arianna Malgieri, in a review in the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, characterised this method as “the most effective method of umbilical cord MSC isolation” (Malgieri A. et al., Int J Clin Exp Med 2010; 3(4): 248-269).

In parallel with the use of whole MSCs, the clinic is developing the next generation of products: MSC-derived exosomes (extracellular vesicles). According to AJSC 2025, exosomes in particular are viewed as a “future leader” in ASD therapy: they retain the paracrine and immunomodulatory activity of MSCs, eliminate the risk of tumour formation (no nucleus) and cross the blood-brain barrier more effectively in neurological indications.

Han's United considers iPSCs and neural stem cells (NSCs) as directions for future scientific research, not as current clinical products: according to modern literature, their application remains predominantly preclinical.

What is important to know before the consultation

The choice of cell type is a decision made by the clinical team, based on the diagnosis, age and nature of the injury. There is no need to decide now, nor to select the “best type” on your own. What is useful to understand when speaking with a doctor:

For regenerative indications (neurology, orthopaedics, autoimmune diseases, cardiology), the main choice is MSCs.

In haemato-oncology, haematopoietic cells and a specialised haematology centre are required: this is a different medical service.

If you are offered “off-the-shelf iPSC therapy”, clarify what phase of clinical trials it is currently in. There are no widely used clinical iPSC products today.

If embryonic stem cells are offered in clinical practice (rather than as part of a research programme), it is worth asking how the clinic addresses ethical and regulatory issues.

If your loved one's diagnosis requires discussion, our medical team will provide an honest assessment of whether benefit can be expected from MSC therapy in their specific case.

References

Malgieri A., Kantzari E., Patrizi M.P., Gambardella S. Bone marrow and umbilical cord blood human mesenchymal stem cells: state of the art. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medicine. 2010; 3(4): 248–269.

American Journal of Stem Cells (AJSC). NSC or MSC for autism: comparative perspective. 2025-08-15. e-Century Publishing Corporation.

Hans United Group, Scientific and Technological Achievements Series No. 12 (王伟强 Wang Weiqiang, 2019-05-07).

FAQ Han's United (汉氏联合): internal clinic materials.

Han's United Glossary (22 May 2024): trilingual definitions of UC-MSCs / P-MSCs and other terms (RU/EN/ZH).