[Risks of the xenogenic origin in stem cells applications]

Stem cells can be applied as the substrate of cell therapy of a variety of diseases, including those previously considered incurable. Furthermore, studying the fundamental mechanisms underlying proliferation and differentiation of stem and progenitor cells is most important to uncover the principles of growth, development, adaptation and regeneration, which could be altered in pathology. However, many steps of stem cell studies (including cell isolation, expansion and differentiation in vitro) are associated with factors of the xenogenic origin. Human stem cell exposure to the xenogenic factors over the various steps of work may complicate an interpretation of the proteomics, genomics, transcriptomics and metabolomics data. It is also associated with the risk of immune response and zenozoonoses development in cell transplantation recipients. In the review, key issue related to xenogenic factors in stem cell applications are discussed, as well as the possible means to lower the risks of the xenogenic origin.