Progress toward establishing embryonic stem or induced pluripotent stem cell-based clinical translation

Area of Science:

• Stem cell biology
• Regenerative medicine
• Clinical translation

Background:

• Pluripotent stem cells, including embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells, possess the ability to differentiate into various cell types.
• The clinical translation of these cells is hindered by the absence of efficient protocols for deriving clinical-grade cells or tissues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current state of stem cell derivation for clinical applications.
• To discuss the challenges and progress in generating clinical-grade cells and tissues from pluripotent stem cells.

Main Methods:

• Review of ongoing clinical trials involving stem cell-derived tissues.
• Analysis of progress in generating specific cell types for therapeutic purposes.

Main Results:

• Clinical trials are underway for stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelial cells, cardiomyocytes, and neurons.
• Significant progress has been made in deriving retinal pigment epithelial cells, neuronal cells, and cardiomyocytes.
• Derivation of insulin-producing cells for type 1 diabetes and definitive hematopoietic progenitor cells remains challenging.

Conclusions:

• The clinical application of pluripotent stem cells is not yet fully realized, with variable progress across different tissues.
• Despite challenges, advancements in certain tissues offer encouragement for future therapeutic developments.
• Continued research is essential to overcome hurdles in deriving specific cell types for widespread clinical use.