Biomaterial-supported MSC transplantation enhances cell–cell communication for spinal cord injury

Stem Cell Research & Therapy, 2021 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13287-020-02090-y · Published: January 25, 2021

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine Biomedical

Simple Explanation

Spinal cord injury (SCI) can lead to motor deficits and loss of sensory inputs due to damage to neurons and glial cells. Following SCI, various barriers containing the neuroinflammation, neural tissue defect (neurons, microglia, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes), cavity formation, loss of neuronal circuitry, and function must be overcame. A combinatorial therapy of cell transplantation and biomaterial implantation may be addressed for preserving damaged tissue integrity and providing support for axon regeneration.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Not specified

Evidence Level

Review

Key Findings

1
MSC transplantation promotes scaffold integration and regenerative growth potential, improving the healing process after SCI.
2
Biomaterial scaffolds offer MSCs a sheltered microenvironment, bridging the spinal cord stump and offering physical support for axonal regeneration, while also mimicking the extracellular matrix to suppress immune responses.
3
Biomaterial-supported MSC transplantation diminishes fibrosis during the early process of secondary SCI and further attenuates secondary glial scarring.

Research Summary

This review discusses advances in combinatorial biomaterial scaffolds and MSC transplantation, targeting intercellular communications in the pathologic process following SCI. MSCs secrete various soluble molecules that exert anti-inflammatory potential and can inhibit the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Biomaterial-supported MSC transplantation provides a therapeutic option for SCI by inhibiting secondary glial scarring and promoting axonal regeneration.

Practical Implications

Enhanced Tissue Regeneration

The combination of biomaterials and MSCs can lead to better tissue renovation and functional restoration in SCI.

Modulation of Immune Response

MSCs can modulate the immune system by interacting with immune cells and producing immunoregulatory cytokines.

Improved Microenvironment

Biomaterials provide a favorable microenvironment for the establishment of functional neural connections.

Study Limitations

1
Maintaining the retention and stability of exosomes over time in vivo after transplantation.
2
Limited understanding of CNS physiology following injury poses a massive barrier to developing complete functional regeneration.
3
Whether transplanted MSCs can migrate to a distant location from the lesion site and be readily differentiated into neurons and astrocytes remains controversial.

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