Open AccessNeuroregeneration and functional recovery after stroke: advancing neural stem cell therapy toward clinical application
Author(s) -
Yang Jiao,
Yu-Wan Liu,
Wei-Gong Chen,
Jing Liu
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
neural regeneration research/neural regeneration research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.93
H-Index - 38
eISSN - 1876-7958
pISSN - 1673-5374
DOI - 10.4103/1673-5374.286955
Subject(s) - neuroregeneration , medicine , neuroscience , neural stem cell , neuroprotection , regeneration (biology) , stroke (engine) , stem cell , stem cell therapy , axon , paracrine signalling , bioinformatics , transplantation , biology , surgery , microbiology and biotechnology , mechanical engineering , engineering , receptor
Stroke is a main cause of death and disability worldwide. The ability of the brain to self-repair in the acute and chronic phases after stroke is minimal; however, promising stem cell-based interventions are emerging that may give substantial and possibly complete recovery of brain function after stroke. Many animal models and clinical trials have demonstrated that neural stem cells (NSCs) in the central nervous system can orchestrate neurological repair through nerve regeneration, neuron polarization, axon pruning, neurite outgrowth, repair of myelin, and remodeling of the microenvironment and brain networks. Compared with other types of stem cells, NSCs have unique advantages in cell replacement, paracrine action, inflammatory regulation and neuroprotection. Our review summarizes NSC origins, characteristics, therapeutic mechanisms and repair processes, then highlights current research findings and clinical evidence for NSC therapy. These results may be helpful to inform the direction of future stroke research and to guide clinical decision-making.