Olfactory Ensheathing Cells for Spinal Cord Injury: Sniffing Out the Issues

R. Yao, M. Murtaza, J. Tello Velasquez, M. Todorovic, A. Rayfield, J. Ekberg, M. Barton, J. St John*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articleResearchpeer-review

74 Citations (Scopus)
38 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) are glia reported to sustain the continuous axon extension and successful topographic targeting of the olfactory receptor neurons responsible for the sense of smell (olfaction). Due to this distinctive property, OECs have been trialed in human cell transplant therapies to assist in the repair of central nervous system injuries, particularly those of the spinal cord. Though many studies have reported neurological improvement, the therapy remains inconsistent and requires further improvement. Much of this variability stems from differing olfactory cell populations prior to transplantation into the injury site. While some studies have used purified cells, others have used unpurified transplants. Although both preparations have merits and faults, the latter increases the variability between transplants received by recipients. Without a robust purification procedure in OEC transplantation therapies, the full potential of OECs for spinal cord injury may not be realised.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)879-889
Number of pages11
JournalCell Transplantation
Volume27
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jun 2018
Externally publishedYes

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