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BMC Neurology
Published in: BMC Neurology 1/2011

Open Access 01-12-2011 | Debate

What is the potential of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells to successfully treat human spinal cord injury?

Authors: Robert A Watson, Trevor M Yeung

Published in: BMC Neurology | Issue 1/2011

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Abstract

Background

Spinal cord injury is a serious and debilitating condition, affecting millions of people worldwide. Long seen as a permanent injury, recent advances in stem cell research have brought closer the possibility of repairing the spinal cord. One such approach involves injecting oligodendrocyte progenitor cells, derived from human embryonic stem cells, into the injured spinal cord in the hope that they will initiate repair. A phase I clinical trial of this therapy was started in mid 2010 and is currently underway.

Discussion

The theory underlying this approach is that these myelinating progenitors will phenotypically replace myelin lost during injury whilst helping to promote a repair environment in the lesion. However, the importance of demyelination in the pathogenesis of human spinal cord injury is a contentious issue and a body of literature suggests that it is only a minor factor in the overall injury process.

Summary

This review examines the validity of the theory underpinning the on-going clinical trial as well as analysing published data from animal models and finally discussing issues surrounding safety and purity in order to assess the potential of this approach to successfully treat acute human spinal cord injury.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
What is the potential of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells to successfully treat human spinal cord injury?
Authors
Robert A Watson
Trevor M Yeung
Publication date
01-12-2011
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Neurology / Issue 1/2011
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2377
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2377-11-113

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