Open AccessApplication of Umbilical Cord Blood Derived Stem Cells in Diseases of the Nervous System
Author(s) -
Bhagelu R. Achyut,
Nadimpalli Ravi S. Varma,
Ali S. Arbab
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
journal of stem cell research and therapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2157-7633
DOI - 10.4172/2157-7633.1000202
Subject(s) - progenitor cell , stem cell , umbilical cord , medicine , haematopoiesis , neural stem cell , regenerative medicine , neuroscience , immunology , cancer research , biology , microbiology and biotechnology
Umbilical cord blood (UCB) derived multipotent stem cells are capable of giving rise hematopoietic, epithelial, endothelial and neural progenitor cells. Thus suggested to significantly improve graft-versus-host disease and represent the distinctive therapeutic option for several malignant and non-malignant diseases. Recent advances in strategies to isolate, expand and shorten the timing of UCB stem cells engraftment have tremendously improved the efficacy of transplantations. Nervous system has limited regenerative potential in disease conditions such as cancer, neurodegeneration, stroke, and several neural injuries. This review focuses on application of UCB derived stem/progenitor cells in aforementioned pathological conditions. We have discussed the possible attempts to make use of UCB therapies to generate neural cells and tissues with developmental and functional similarities to neuronal cells. In addition, emerging applications of UCB derived AC133+ (CD133+) endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) as imaging probe, regenerative agent, and gene delivery vehicle are mentioned that will further improve the understanding of use of UCB cells in therapeutic modalities. However, safe and effective protocols for cell transplantations are still required for therapeutic efficacy.