Xenogeneic stem cell transplantation: Research progress and clinical prospects

Abstract

Organ transplantation is the ultimate treatment for end-stage diseases such as heart and liver failure. However, the severe shortage of donor organs has limited the organ transplantation progress. Xenogeneic stem cell transplantation provides a new strategy to solve this problem. Researchers have shown that xenogeneic stem cell transplantation has significant therapeutic effects and broad application prospects in treating liver failure, myocardial infarction, advanced type 1 diabetes mellitus, myelosuppression, and other end-stage diseases by replacing the dysfunctional cells directly or improving the endogenous regenerative milieu. In this review, the sources, problems and solutions, and potential clinical applications of xenogeneic stem cell transplantation will be discussed.

Keywords: Xenogeneic stem cells; Transplantation; Immune rejection; Organ reconstruction; Neurological diseases; Tissue defects

Core Tip: The severe shortage of donor organs generates long waiting lists for patients with end-stage diseases anticipating organ transplantation and ultimately leads to the deaths for those who are not fortunate to receive an organ. Xenogeneic stem cell transplantation provides a new strategy to solve this problem. In this review, we summarize possible problems and solutions and the clinical prospects of xenogeneic stem cell transplantation.