Stem cell therapies: a new era in the treatment of multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated condition that persistently harms the central nervous system. While existing treatments can slow its course, a cure remains elusive. Stem cell therapy has gained attention as a promising approach, offering new perspectives with its regenerative and immunomodulatory properties. This article reviews the application of stem cells in MS, encompassing various stem cell types, therapeutic potential mechanisms, preclinical explorations, clinical research advancements, safety profiles of clinical applications, as well as limitations and challenges, aiming to provide new insights into the treatment research for MS.

Keywords: induced pluripotent stem cells; multiple sclerosis; neural stem cells; stem cell therapy; stem cell transplantation.

Figure 1

Therapeutic potential of stem cells in multiple sclerosis. The schematic diagram succinctly outlines the therapeutic potential of stem cells in multiple sclerosis. It encompasses the primary sources of various types of stem cells and the three major mechanisms through which stem cells exert their therapeutic effects in MS treatment, including differentiation into various neural cells, secretion of trophic factors, and immunomodulation. This schematic emphasizes that stem cell therapy represents a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of MS.