Response of donor and recipient cells after transplantation of cells to the ligament and tendon.
The mechanical properties of healing ligaments and tendons are not comparable to those of normal tissue. To improve the quality of the ligament healing, therapeutic strategies include gene transfer or placement of mesenchymal stem cells at the healing site. Studies show that marker genes, growth factors, and antisense oligonucleotides can be delivered to both normal and healing ligaments and tendons by gene transfer. Cells with and without genetic modification have been successfully transplanted to ligaments and tendons and remain viable. Tendon healing can be improved using collagen gel implants seeded with autologous mesenchymal stem cells. Even though these early results are encouraging, more work is required regarding the response of the recipient site to donor cells or vectors.
Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada T2N 4N1.
Kevin A
KA
Hildebrand
Fengyan
F
Jia
Savio L-Y
SL
Woo
D000818:Animals; D017690:Cell Transplantation; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques / Q000639:trends; D015316:Genetic Therapy / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends; D005822:Genetic Vectors; D008022:Ligaments / Q000166:cytology* / Q000293:injuries / Q000473:pathology; D008648:Mesoderm / Q000166:cytology / Q000637:transplantation; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery* / Q000628:therapy*; D013710:Tendons / Q000166:cytology* / Q000473:pathology; D023822:Tissue Engineering / Q000379:methods; D014945:Wound Healing