Objective To review the literature reports on research progress of Heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) modified mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Methods The significance, effects, and related mechanism of HO-1 modification of MSCs were summarized by consulting the related literatures and reports of HO-1 modification of MSCs. Results HO-1 modification of MSCs has important research value. It can effectively enhance the anti-oxidative stress and anti-apoptotic properties of MSCs in complex internal environment after transplantation into vivo. It can also effectively enhance the immune regulation function of MSCs. It can improve the anti-injury, repair, and immune regulation effect of MSCs in various disease models and research fields. Conclusion The basic research of HO-1 modified MSCs has made remarkable progress, which is expected to be applied in clinical trials and provide theoretical basis and reference value for stem cell therapy.
