Perspectives in the Cell-Based Therapies of Various Aspects of the Spinal Cord Injury-Associated Pathologies: Lessons from the Animal Models

Traumatic injury of the spinal cord (SCI) is a devastating neurological condition often leading to severe dysfunctions, therefore an improvement in clinical treatment for SCI patients is urgently needed. The potential benefits of transplantation of various cell types into the injured spinal cord have been intensively investigated in preclinical SCI models and clinical trials. Despite the many challenges that are still ahead, cell transplantation alone or in combination with other factors, such as artificial matrices, seems to be the most promising perspective. Here, we reviewed recent advances in cell-based experimental strategies supporting or restoring the function of the injured spinal cord with a particular focus on the regenerative mechanisms that could define their clinical translation.

Automated summary

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating neurological condition that requires improved clinical treatment. The potential benefits of cell transplantation in treating injured spinal cords, either alone or in combination with other factors, show promise for future therapeutic strategies. Recent advances in regenerative mechanisms supporting or restoring spinal cord function through cell-based experimental strategies have been reviewed in this study.