Cryopreserved Mucosal Olfactory Ensheathing Cells Promote Functional Recovery After Dorsal Root Injury

Olfactory ensheathing cell (OEC) transplantation has been widely shown to support axonal regeneration, remyelination, and functional recovery after central nervous system injury; however, autologous approaches are limited by low cell yields from patient biopsies, which may be insufficient for large spinal cord lesions. This study evaluated whether cryopreservation could provide a scalable alternative by preserving the therapeutic potential of mucosa-derived OECs. Using a rat dorsal root injury model, cryopreserved mucosa-derived OECs (CmOECs) were thawed and assessed for viability, phenotype, and efficacy following transplantation. Although total viable cell yield was reduced compared with primary cultures, the relative proportion of OECs remained stable, and cells retained characteristic morphology and marker expression in vitro. In vivo, transplantation of CmOECs resulted in significant functional recovery in climbing and forepaw fault tasks compared with injured controls, with outcomes comparable to primary mucosal OEC transplantation. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the survival and integration of transplanted cells at the dorsal root entry zone, alongside evidence of axonal regeneration and astrocytic remodeling. These findings demonstrate that mucosa-derived OECs retain therapeutic efficacy following cryopreservation and support the development of standardized OEC biobanks as a scalable strategy for spinal cord repair.