Stem cell-based ischemic stroke therapy: Novel modifications and clinical challenges

Abstract

Ischemic stroke (IS) causes severe disability and high mortality worldwide. Stem cell (SC) therapy exhibits unique therapeutic potential for IS that differs from current treatments. SC's cell homing, differentiation and paracrine abilities give hope for neuroprotection. Recent studies on SC modification have enhanced therapeutic effects for IS, including gene transfection, nanoparticle modification, biomaterial modification and pretreatment. These methods improve survival rate, homing, neural differentiation, and paracrine abilities in ischemic areas. However, many problems must be resolved before SC therapy can be clinically applied. These issues include production quality and quantity, stability during transportation and storage, as well as usage regulations. Herein, we reviewed the brief pathogenesis of IS, the “multi-mechanism” advantages of SCs for treating IS, various SC modification methods, and SC therapy challenges. We aim to uncover the potential and overcome the challenges of using SCs for treating IS and convey innovative ideas for modifying SCs.

Schematic illustration of using SCs to treat IS. From the mechanism of SC therapy to SC modification to the challenges of SC therapy.

Keywords

Ischemic stroke / Stem cell therapy / Stem cell modification / Cell therapy challenge

Conflicts of interest

The authors declare no competing financial interest.

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (U22A20383, 82003668); the Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province (LD22H300002, LQ21H300002 ); and Ningbo Technology Innovation 2025 Major Special Project (2022Z150).

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