Schwann cells as drivers of tissue repair and regeneration

Current evidence suggests that peripheral nerve-associated Schwann cells possess the capacity to promote the repair and regeneration of multiple tissue types, in addition to peripheral nervous system axons. These findings shed light on the nerve dependent nature of regeneration that has been well documented in various organs. This review outlines recent advances in knowledge surrounding endogenous regenerative functions of Schwann cells across species and tissue types, with a specific focus on the role of Sox2(+) dedifferentiated Schwann cells in regulating the proliferation of surrounding tissue-resident mesenchymal precursors.