Fig. 1

Literature search strategy and results. A The schematic shows search terms, refinements and exclusions used. Numbers refer to the total number of papers remaining at each stage. B Reported characteristics for MSCs in clinical research studies: data elements captured for this analysis. Basic information on the trial included clinical phase, indication, route of administration and mechanism(s) of action. Specifics of the cell source included donor details, tissue source and usage (allogeneic/autologous) and the descriptor used by the study: stem/stromal cells or other nomenclature. Aspects of characterisation reported in the study were captured, focussing on assessment of viability, phenotypic profile, differentiation capacity and potency evaluations. Reference to ISCT minimal criteria for identification of MSC was also recorded