Current Status of Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells for Treatment of Neurological Diseases

Neurological disorders include a wide spectrum of clinical conditions affecting the central and peripheral nervous systems. For these conditions, which affect hundreds of millions of people worldwide, generally limited or no treatments are available, and cell-based therapies have been intensively investigated in preclinical and clinical studies. Among the available cell types, mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) have been widely studied but as yet no cell-based treatment exists for neurological disease. We review current knowledge of the therapeutic potential of MSC-based therapies for neurological diseases, as well as possible mechanisms of action that may be explored to hasten the development of new and effective treatments. We also discuss the challenges for culture conditions, quality control, and the development of potency tests, aiming to generate more efficient cell therapy products for neurological disorders.

Automated summary

Neurological disorders have limited treatment options, and there is a need for cell-based therapies. Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) have been widely studied but no cell-based treatment for neurological diseases currently exists. This review explores the therapeutic potential of MSC-based therapies for neurological disorders and discusses challenges in culture conditions, quality control, and the development of potency tests to improve cell therapy products for these conditions.