Advances in progenitor cell therapy using scaffolding constructs for central nervous system injury

Authors

Peter A Walker
Kevin R Aroom
Fernando Jimenez
Shinil K Shah
Matthew T Harting
Brijesh S Gill
Charles S Cox

Publication Date

9-1-2009

Journal

Stem Cell Reviews and Reports

Abstract

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Current clinical therapy is focused on optimization of the acute/subacute intracerebral milieu, minimizing continued cell death, and subsequent intense rehabilitation to ameliorate the prolonged physical, cognitive, and psychosocial deficits that result from TBI. Adult progenitor (stem) cell therapies have shown promise in pre-clinical studies and remain a focus of intense scientific investigation. One of the fundamental challenges to successful translation of the large body of pre-clinical work is the delivery of progenitor cells to the target location/organ. Classically used vehicles such as intravenous and intra arterial infusion have shown low engraftment rates and risk of distal emboli. Novel delivery methods such as nanofiber scaffold implantation could provide the structural and nutritive support required for progenitor cell proliferation, engraftment, and differentiation. The focus of this review is to explore the current state of the art as it relates to current and novel progenitor cell delivery methods.

Keywords

Animals, Biocompatible Materials, Brain Injuries, Cell Transplantation, Central Nervous System, Humans, Lung, Polymers, Stem Cells, Tissue Engineering, Tissue Therapy, Trauma, Nervous System