Stem Cell Investigation, 2023 · DOI: 10.21037/sci-2022-037 · Published: March 10, 2023
Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in motor, sensory, and autonomic neuron damage, leading to paralysis and numbness. Current treatments focus on surgical intervention, steroid drugs, and rehabilitation, aiming to preserve residual neurological function rather than restoring lost function. Cell-based regenerative medicine, especially using human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), is a promising avenue. iPSC-derived neural stem/progenitor cells (iPSC-NS/PCs) have shown potential for functional improvement through various mechanisms of action. Challenges remain in the clinical application of iPSC-NS/PCs, including safety concerns like tumorigenesis and the need to address both subacute and chronic phases of SCI. Research is ongoing to refine differentiation methods and ensure the safety of transplanted cells.
The use of iPSC-NS/PCs holds promise for developing effective cell-based therapies for SCI, potentially leading to functional recovery and improved quality of life for patients.
Rigorous safety management protocols, including pre-evaluation of iPSC-NS/PCs and strategies to control over-proliferation, are crucial for minimizing the risk of tumorigenesis in clinical settings.
Further research is needed to develop targeted therapies for chronic SCI, such as combinatorial approaches involving iPSC-NS/PCs, chondroitinase-ABC, and biocompatible scaffold materials, to address the challenges of glial scar formation and cavitation.