Equine cellular therapy--from stall to bench to bedside?

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Regenerative Medicine
• Stem Cell Biology

Background:

• The horse serves as a valuable animal model for pioneering clinical stem cell research with potential human medical applications.
• Significant clinical advancements in equine stem cell therapy have been achieved.
• In vitro characterization of equine stem cells lags behind clinical progress.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of veterinary clinical achievements in equine stem cell therapy.
• To summarize the current state of in vitro characterization of equine stem cells.
• To enhance communication between veterinarians and natural scientists regarding equine stem cell research.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical stem cell therapies in equine orthopedics.
• Assessment of current in vitro characterization methods for equine multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs).
• Evaluation of in vitro characterization data for equine embryonic stem cells (ESCs).

Main Results:

• Clinical applications of stem cell therapy in horses, particularly in orthopedics, have shown demonstrable progress.
• In vitro characterization of equine multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) is still in early stages.
• Characterization of equine embryonic stem cells (ESCs) in vitro requires further development.

Conclusions:

• Advances in in vitro characterization are crucial for translating promising equine stem cell therapy results.
• Bridging the gap between clinical veterinary practice and fundamental science is essential.
• Standardized characterization protocols will facilitate broader application and understanding of equine stem cells.