Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Glossary

Autologous vs Allogeneic

Autologous cells come from the patient. Allogeneic cells come from a healthy donor and require no HLA matching when MSCs are used.

Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs)

Also known as: MSC, Mesenchymal Stromal Cells

Multipotent adult stem cells that regulate inflammation and tissue repair. Sourced from umbilical cord, bone marrow, or adipose tissue.

Wharton's Jelly

The gelatinous tissue inside the umbilical cord — the richest source of young, highly proliferative mesenchymal stem cells.

Exosomes

Cell-free nanovesicles (30–150 nm) secreted by stem cells that carry growth factors, proteins and signaling RNA.

Natural Killer (NK) Cells

Innate-immune lymphocytes that detect and destroy infected, transformed or senescent cells — used in advanced cellular protocols.

Differentiation

The process by which stem cells become specialised tissue cells such as bone, cartilage, muscle or nerve.

Immunomodulation

The ability of MSCs to dampen overactive immune responses without suppressing protective immunity — central to autoimmune protocols.

Paracrine Signaling

How transplanted stem cells work — by releasing growth factors that signal nearby cells to repair tissue, not by engrafting.

Intra-articular Injection

Image-guided injection of stem cells or exosomes directly into a joint capsule for orthopedic regenerative protocols.

Intrathecal Injection

Delivery of cells or biologics into the cerebrospinal fluid via lumbar puncture — used for neurological conditions.

IV Infusion

Also known as: Intravenous Stem Cell Infusion

Systemic delivery of stem cells or exosomes through a peripheral vein — the most common route for inflammatory and metabolic conditions.

Cell Passage

Also known as: Passage Number, P-Number

How many times a stem cell population has been expanded in culture. Lower passages (P2–P5) are clinically preferred.

GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice)

An internationally recognised standard for the safe, sterile, reproducible production of biological and pharmaceutical products.

ISCT MSC Criteria

Also known as: Minimal Criteria for MSCs

The 2006 International Society for Cell & Gene Therapy definition that all clinical MSCs must meet.

Potency Assay

A pre-release laboratory test that confirms a cell batch's biological activity — not just cell count.

Informed Consent

The legal and ethical process of explaining a procedure's risks, benefits and alternatives before a patient agrees in writing.

Turkish Ministry of Health Licensing

The regulatory framework under which stem cell therapy is legally practised in Turkey — equivalent in rigour to EU and US frameworks.