Role of stem cells in the regeneration and repair of peripheral nerves

Abstract

Peripheral nerve regeneration is a complex process, with Wallerian degeneration the most elementary reaction and Schwann cells playing an important role. In recent years, stem cells have been widely used to repair injured peripheral nerves. The sources of these stem cells are widespread and their effectiveness in the treatment of peripheral nerve injury may lie in their ability to differentiate into Schwann cells, secrete neurotrophic factors, and assist in myelin formation. Stem cells have been used as seed cells in tissue-engineered nerve grafts. The understanding of stem cell homing, novel repair material, and the ability to mobilize endogenous stem cells to assist peripheral nerve regeneration constitute a research direction of great interest.