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Hematopoietic stem cell cryopreservation: a review of current techniques
1Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98104.
Journal of Hematotherapy
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are cryopreserved using techniques adapted from early sperm studies. Further research into cryoprotectant solutions and conditions is needed to improve HSC cryosurvival and reduce transplantation costs.
Area of Science:
- Cryobiology
- Hematology
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) cryopreservation techniques originated from 1949 studies on bovine sperm cryopreservation using glycerol.
- Current methods involve suspending cells in cryoprotectant solutions and freezing at slow rates below -120°C.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of HSC cryobiology in light of developing collection and processing techniques.
- To identify areas for improvement in HSC cryopreservation, including cryoprotectant composition, cell concentration, toxicity, and storage temperatures.
Main Methods:
- Review of established cryopreservation techniques for HSCs.
- Discussion of limitations in current cryosurvival assays for HSCs.
Main Results:
- HSC cryopreservation techniques, while successful in maintaining viability for engraftment, have not been optimized due to a lack of specific cryosurvival assays.
- Key factors requiring further study include cryoprotectant solution composition, cell concentration, cryoprotectant toxicity, and optimal storage temperatures.
Conclusions:
- Optimizing HSC cryopreservation through modified cryoprotectant solutions could enhance engraftment kinetics.
- Improvements in HSC cryosurvival may lead to reduced costs and morbidity associated with autologous transplantation.