Fetal liver cell transplantation

Abstract

Fetal liver cell transplantation is a promising technique and is entering its clinical application phase. Temporary support of liver function is clearly obtained, and short-term benefit can be achieved for patients. The challenge is to obtain long-term efficacy and demonstrate engraftment and repopulation of the recipient liver. Numerous animal studies have been performed; however, there are many challenging issues that remain to be solved, including increasing engraftment and repopulation and in vitro cell expansion. This knowledge can be used to improve the function of hepatocyte-like cells for drug testing, bioartificial livers, and transplantation.