Umbilical cord blood cells in the repair of central nervous system diseases

Abstract

Umbilical cord blood is composed of a heterogeneous population of cells including epithelial progenitors, mesenchymal stem cells, lymphocytes, and monocytes. These cells are immune-immature and have the ability to modify inflammation, promote angiogenesis and neurogenesis, secrete numerous cytokines and neurotrophic factors, and differentiate into cells of the neural lineage. The latter effect is not believed to be their primary mode of action in bringing benefit in numerous animal models for diseases, especially since the cells do not necessarily need to enter the CNS to be effective. In this way, umbilical cord blood has great translational potential from the animal models to the clinic for treatment of a multitude of CNS disorders including Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, and stroke. This potential is being explored in both animal models and also in a few clinical trials.