Stem cell transplantation in immuno-hematologic and infectious diseases

Stem cells are pluripotent cells that can divide and differentiate, forming many different types of cells. Stem cells can be obtained from various sources, with embryonic stem cells being the most advantageous as they possess a broad dividing potential. When the standard treatment proves ineffective, stem cells are typically utilized as a final option. Infections and childhood malignancies are among the significant causes of mortality in the pediatric population. Stem cell therapy has shown a decrease in morbidity and mortality when used in patients with favorable conditions like young age and lack of comorbidities. This review discusses how stem cells are prepared and used in treating pediatric diseases like X-linked agammaglobulinemia, diabetes mellitus, aplastic anemia, infections, and leukemia. Technological advancement has played a significant role in producing more specific stem cells using genetic modification methods like clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated protein 9, which produce stem cells that target a particular cell type, e.g., myocytes and hematopoietic cells, further increasing the effectiveness of the therapy. We address the obstacles faced when conducting research related to stem cells, including ethical and legal issues, which hinder the use of this therapy in some fields. We also indicate recommendations for increasing the efficacy of stem cell therapy in the pediatric population.