Transplanted neural stem/precursor cells instruct phagocytes and reduce secondary tissue damage in the injured spinal cord

Brain, 2012 · DOI: 10.1093/brain/awr339 · Published: February 1, 2012

Spinal Cord Injury Regenerative Medicine Neurology

Simple Explanation

Neural stem/precursor cells (NPCs) were transplanted into mice with spinal cord injuries to investigate their therapeutic effects. The study found that subacute transplantation of NPCs enhanced locomotor function recovery in mice with spinal cord injury. Transplanted NPCs modulated inflammatory cell transcripts and skewed the inflammatory cell infiltrate, promoting healing.

Study Duration

7 weeks

Participants

239 4- to 8-week-old male C57Bl/6 mice

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Subacute transplantation of neural stem/precursor cells (NPCs) led to significant recovery of locomotor functions in mice with spinal cord injury.
2
Transplanted NPCs survived undifferentiated and established contacts with endogenous phagocytes via cellular–junctional coupling.
3
NPC transplantation reduced the proportion of ‘classically-activated’ (M1-like) macrophages and promoted healing of the injured spinal cord.

Research Summary

This study investigates the therapeutic plasticity of neural stem/precursor cells (NPCs) after focal implantation in a severely contused spinal cord. The findings identify a precise window of opportunity for somatic stem cell-based approaches to treat complex spinal cord injuries. The data suggest that NPCs can 'correct' the local inflammatory environment, facilitating healing or regeneration past the lesion.

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Window

Identifies a specific time frame (subacute phase) for effective NPC transplantation in spinal cord injuries.

Immune Modulation

Highlights the ability of NPCs to modulate the inflammatory response by influencing macrophage polarization and T-cell activity.

Cellular Communication

Emphasizes the importance of cell-to-cell communication between NPCs and endogenous phagocytes for therapeutic effects.

Transplanted neural stem/precursor cells instruct phagocytes and reduce secondary tissue damage in the injured spinal cord

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Window

Immune Modulation

Cellular Communication

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Transplanted neural stem/precursor cells instruct phagocytes and reduce secondary tissue damage in the injured spinal cord

Simple Explanation

Key Findings

Research Summary

Practical Implications

Therapeutic Window

Immune Modulation

Cellular Communication

Study Limitations

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?