Cell Bioscience, 2020 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13578-020-00475-3 · Published: September 15, 2020
Spinal cord injury (SCI) can lead to temporary or permanent loss of function due to nerve damage, significantly impacting patients' quality of life. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy is being explored as a treatment for SCI, with MSCs potentially minimizing secondary injury and protecting neural elements by suppressing inflammation. MSCs can also differentiate into neuron-like cells and stimulate neural stem cell proliferation, aiding in rebuilding damaged nerve tissue, which is crucial for restoring spinal cord function due to its limited regenerative capacity.
Utilizing stem cell-derived secretomes (soluble proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, cytokines, neurotrophins, growth factors, and extracellular vesicles) as a therapeutic approach due to their low tumorigenicity potential, scalable production, and modifiable bioactive content.
Combining immunotherapy with MSC treatment to suppress inflammation and promote cord regeneration by targeting growth-suppressive molecules in the post-trauma environment, although safety regarding effects on healthy myelin and immunological responses needs to be demonstrated.
Employing scaffolds and injectable hydrogels as a matrix to promote cell engraftment and survival during transplantation, modulating cell functionality to reduce fibrosis and inflammation, as well as promote angiogenesis and neurogenesis.