Designer, injectable gels to prevent transplanted Schwann cell loss during spinal cord injury therapy

Sci. Adv., 2020 · DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aaz1039 · Published: April 1, 2020

Spinal Cord Injury Biomedical Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells

Simple Explanation

Transplantation of Schwann cells is a promising therapy for spinal cord injuries. However, its effectiveness is limited by cell death during and after injection. Researchers have developed an injectable hydrogel called SHIELD to protect Schwann cells during transplantation. SHIELD addresses membrane damage during injection, cell leakage, and apoptosis due to matrix loss. In a rat model of cervical contusion SCI, SHIELD improved Schwann cell transplantation by over 700%. The combination of cells and SHIELD improved cell distribution and reduced tissue damage.

Study Duration

4 weeks

Participants

Female Fischer 344 rats

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
SHIELD hydrogels provide protection from membrane damage during syringe needle injection, improving cell survival during transplantation.
2
SHIELD increases transplanted Schwann cell retention and improves their spread morphology within the spinal cord lesion.
3
SHIELD delivery of Schwann cells ameliorates secondary injury, reducing cystic cavitation and neuronal loss.

Research Summary

This study introduces SHIELD, an injectable hydrogel designed to improve the survival and therapeutic function of transplanted Schwann cells for spinal cord injury treatment. SHIELD addresses key challenges in cell transplantation, including membrane damage during injection, cell leakage from the injection site, and apoptosis due to the loss of endogenous matrix. In a rat model of cervical spinal cord injury, SHIELD significantly improved Schwann cell transplantation outcomes, promoting functional recovery and reducing secondary injury.

Practical Implications

Improved Cell Transplantation

The SHIELD hydrogel can be used to improve cell survival and retention in cell-based therapies for spinal cord injury.

Reduced Secondary Injury

SHIELD-mediated cell delivery can reduce cystic cavitation and neuronal loss after spinal cord injury.

Enhanced Functional Recovery

The combination of SHIELD and Schwann cells can lead to significant improvements in forelimb strength and coordination after spinal cord injury.

Study Limitations

1
Cell loss still occurs from initial injection, indicating need for further optimization.
2
Synergistic and antagonistic effects of biochemical ligands need to be systematically interrogated.
3
Endogenous effects of designer, injectable hydrogel alone requires further investigation.

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