Application of Schwann Cells in Neural Tissue Engineering

Abstract

In the peripheral nervous system (PNS), Schwann cells (SCs) are the principal glial cells that myelinate axons. Unlike the central nervous system (CNS), the peripheral nervous system has the potential to regenerate after injury. SCs effectively respond to injury and help in axon regeneration during the early stage of peripheral nerve injury. Schwann cells also participate in the remyelination of axons in spinal cord injury (SCI). Following SCI, endogenous SCs migrate and invade the injury site where they associate with regenerating axons. Recent studies have demonstrated that Schwann cell transplantation can significantly enhance regeneration post-neural tissue injury. In this chapter, we review the critical role of Schwann cell in peripheral and spinal cord injuries.