Clinical translation of autologous Schwann cell transplantation for the treatment of spinal cord injury.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose of review

To describe the current status of testing Schwann cell transplantation as a therapy for human spinal cord injury (SCI).

Recent findings

Transplanted Schwann cells have reparative effects in the damaged spinal cord. A few clinical studies have reported that Schwann cell transplantation appears safe. Compared with allogeneic cell transplants, autologous cells do not require immune suppression, but the workload of cell manufacturing is greater. Preclinical Schwann cell transplant studies conducted at the University of Miami in 2009-2012 supported an investigational new drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration. A Phase 1 safety study has been initiated.

Summary

Spinal cord repair after severe SCI requires that axonal regeneration and myelination

SUBMITTER: Guest J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3864173 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature