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Review
. 2025 Feb 5;25(2):e1.
doi: 10.4110/in.2025.25.e1. eCollection 2025 Apr.

Role of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor in the Self-Renewal, Differentiation, and Immunomodulation of Adult Stem Cells

Myeong-Seong Seo  1   2 , Jiyeon Baek  1   2 , Myung-Shin Jeon  1   2   3   4
Affiliations
Review

Role of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor in the Self-Renewal, Differentiation, and Immunomodulation of Adult Stem Cells

Myeong-Seong Seo et al. Immune Netw. .

Abstract

Adult stem cells are a rare population of undifferentiated cells present in almost all body tissues. Depending on their location, stem cells can differentiate into various tissue types, primarily contributing to maintenance, repair, and immune system regulation. Stem cell therapies have significant potential in regenerative medicine and treatment of inflammatory diseases. However, many factors must be considered for successful clinical commercialization, including enhancing therapeutic potential, ensuring product differentiation, and optimizing the manufacturing process for large-scale production. The development of sophisticated regulatory mechanisms may enhance therapeutic applications. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is expressed in all adult stem cells, and its activation and function are tightly regulated. Understanding the role and regulation of AhR is crucial for developing effective stem cell therapies. This review examines the role of the AhR in regulating the fundamental characteristics of adult stem cells, which may contribute to advancing adult stem cell therapies.

Keywords: Adult stem cells; Aryl hydrocarbon receptor; Cell differentiation; Cell self-renewal.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: The authors declare no potential conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. The role of AhR in the proliferation and differentiation of HSCs.
CA, constitutively active; KO, knockout; MEP, megakaryocyte-erythrocyte progenitor; MkP, megakaryocyte progenitor.
Figure 2
Figure 2. The role of AhR in the proliferation and differentiation of ISCs.
KO, knockout; CBC, crypt base columnar; LRC, label-retaining cell; 1-MT, 1-methyltryptophan; 1-MIM-OH, 1-methoxy-3-indolyl methyl alcohol.
Figure 3
Figure 3. The role of AhR in the proliferation and differentiation of MSCs.
NO, nitric oxide; KO, knockout.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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