Sheep Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Biological Characteristics, Ethical Considerations, and Translational Applications

Authors

Hasan M. Agha, OXYZ Health & AND Wellness Academy, Research and Development Department, 59000, Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaFollow
Mohammed A. Abdalqader, OXYZ Health & Wellness Academy, Research and Development Department, 59000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia AND Faculty of Medicine, University of Cyberjaya, Persiaran Bestari, Cyber 11, 63000 Cyberjaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
Oh Chin Kin Michelle, OXYZ Health & AND Wellness Academy, Research and Development Department, 59000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Sabaa M. Agha, Faculty of Pharmacy, MAHSA University, Bandar Saujana Putra, 42610 Jenjarom, Selangor, Malaysia
Jantson Hoh, OXYZ Health & AND Wellness Academy, Research and Development Department, 59000, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Abdulmutalib Alabeed Allaq, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia
Amjad Abdulhadi Mohammed, Department of Biology, College of Sciences, University of Mosul, Iraq
Muneer Mohammed Saleh Alsayadi, Atta-ur-Rahman Institute for Natural Products Discovery, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam Campus, 42300 Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia AND Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Ibb University, Aldhehar,70270, Ibb, Yemen

Corresponding Author

Hasan M. Agha

Authors ORCID

Hasan M. Agha: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6637-2072

Mohammed A. Abdalqader: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9224-8473

Abdulmutalib Alabeed Allaq: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2031-8780

Amjad Abdulhadi Mohammed: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5821-7523

Muneer Mohammed Saleh Alsayadi: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6892-0765

Abstract

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are widely used in regenerative medicine due to their self-renewal capacity, multilineage differentiation potential, and paracrine activity. Limitations associated with the sourcing and scalability of human MSCs have increased interest in xenogeneic alternatives, particularly sheep umbilical cord–derived MSCs (sUC-MSCs). These cells display high proliferative capacity, stable karyotypes, and a typical MSC immunophenotype (CD44, CD73, CD90, CD105), with low basal immunogenicity. sUC-MSCs exhibit osteogenic, chondrogenic, and adipogenic differentiation potential and secrete angiogenic and immunomodulatory factors, including VEGF, HGF, IGF-1, TGF-β, and IL-10. Owing to their biological similarities to human MSCs and accessibility from perinatal tissue, sUC-MSCs represent a suitable large-animal cell source for translational and preclinical research. Bioengineering strategies, including hydrogels, chitosan-based matrices, and peptide-functionalized scaffolds, further enhance their survival and delivery efficiency. Although challenges remain regarding immunogenicity and regulatory standardization, recent advances in omics profiling, gene editing, and extracellular vesicle–based delivery support the continued evaluation of sUC-MSCs as a scalable and ethically sustainable xenogeneic cell source for regenerative applications.

Recommended Citation

Agha, Hasan M.; Abdalqader, Mohammed A.; Michelle, Oh Chin Kin; Agha, Sabaa M.; Hoh, Jantson; Allaq, Abdulmutalib Alabeed; Mohammed, Amjad Abdulhadi; and Alsayadi, Muneer Mohammed Saleh (2026), Sheep Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Biological Characteristics, Ethical Considerations, and Translational Applications, AUIQ Complementary Biological System: Vol. 3: Iss. 1, 1-17.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.70176/3007-973X.1051
Available at: https://acbs.alayen.edu.iq/journal/vol3/iss1/1

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.70176/3007-973X.1051