Attempts to Mobilize Oligodendrocyte Progenitors

In their study, Friedrich described rodent progenitor progenitor cells (early OPPC) derived from neuroectodermal neuroectoderm cells during embryogenesis (E 10. 5). Based on the data collected in this study, these perinatal progenitor cells were positive for marker NG2 and negative for markers O4 and PDGF. The same research team found that these immature cells further differentiated into late stage oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (late OPPC) later in development (E 14.5).

AST-OPC1 is a population of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), including oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs). OPC and its matured derivatives are called oligodendrocytes and provide important functional support for spinal cord and brain neurons. Asterias recently published the results of a Phase I clinical trial of low dose AST-OPC 1 in patients with complete spinal cord injury. The results showed that AST-OPC 1 was successfully delivered to damaged spinal cord sites. In patients 2 to 3 years after AST-OPC 1 administration, there was no evidence of serious cell-related serious adverse events in frequent neurological examinations and detailed follow-up evaluations including MRI. Immunological monitoring of subjects one year after transplantation showed no evidence of antibody or cellular immune response to AST-OPC1

Human oligodendrocyte progenitor cells have been shown to alleviate secondary damage following spinal cord injury and to promote functional recovery and remyelination. Researchers expand the scope of the study to better determine the optimal cell delivery window and to assess the potential risks of transplantation such as tumorigenesis and inflammatory response. Schwann cells surround and isolate the peripheral nerves and often grow to the spinal cord after injury. Schwann cells transplanted to the spinal cord injury site can produce growth factors and reequalize damaged axons. Since they determine their fate as Schwann cells before transplantation, they are not stem cells. Schwann cells can be harvested from the body of an individual, which reduces the need for immunosuppressive drugs and the risk of tumor formation, but this requires several weeks after injury to be implanted.

The stem cells provided by Liu are called oligodendrocyte precursor cells. Oligodendrocytes are an important insulative material called myelin, surrounding a straight line portion of nerve cells in the body. Scientists believe that stem cells can not only repair damaged insulation but also return blood vessels to the damaged area. In addition, they will help to support the nerve and release factors which may restore mostly dead nerves. Asterias Biotherapeutics based in Silicon Valley is developing therapeutic cells in the laboratory