Stem Cell Therapy for Spinal Cord Injury: Cellular Options

Spinal cord injury is one of the most debilitating conditions, which mostly affects relatively young individuals. Following the initial insult, secondary pathologic processes including the vascular and inflammatory cascades lead to permanent cellular disruption, causing an irreparable damage. For the last two decades, replacement of the lost cellular and supporting elements at the site of the injury have become a major topic of spinal cord regenerative research. Various types of stem cells have been used as sources for these elements. However, despite the extensive advancement in the isolation, expansion, and transplantation of these stem cells, and the promising functional outcomes in animal models, they are yet to be widely used in humans, and more studies are needed to determine their safety and efficacy. In this review, we will discuss the major different types of stem cells used in SCI.