Stem Cells and Their Mediators - Next Generation Therapy for Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia.
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) remains a major complication of premature birth. Despite great achievements in perinatal medicine over the past decades, there is no treatment for BPD. Recent insights into the biology of stem/progenitor cells have ignited the hope of regenerating damaged organs. Animal experiments revealed promising lung protection/regeneration with stem/progenitor cells in experimental models of BPD and led to first clinical studies in infants. However, these therapies are still experimental and knowledge on the exact mechanisms of action of these cells is limited. Furthermore, heterogeneity of the therapeutic cell populations and missing potency assays currently limit our ability to predict a cell product's efficacy. Here, we review the therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stromal, endothelial progenitor, and amniotic epithelial cells for BPD. Current knowledge on the mechanisms behind the beneficial effects of stem cells is briefly summarized. Finally, we discuss the obstacles constraining their transition from bench-to-bedside and present potential approaches to overcome them.
Department of Neonatology and Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden , Dresden , Germany ; DFG Research Center and Cluster of Excellence for Regenerative Therapies (CRTD), Technische Universität Dresden , Dresden , Germany ; Regenerative Medicine Program, Sprott Centre for Stem Cell Research, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa , Ottawa, ON , Canada.
Marius A
MA
Möbius
Regenerative Medicine Program, Sprott Centre for Stem Cell Research, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa , Ottawa, ON , Canada ; Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, University of Ottawa , Ottawa, ON , Canada.
Bernard
B
Thébaud
bronchopulmonary dysplasia; current good manufacturing practice; endothelial progenitor cells; lung; mesenchymal stromal cells; potency assay; stem cells