Aspects of Embryonic Stem Cell Derived Somatic Cell Therapy of Degenerative Diseases

Abstract

Results from transplantation studies of embryonic stem cell derived somatic cells in animal models are promising for ES cell-based cell therapy of degenerative diseases such as heart and neurological diseases. However, clinical application of ES cell-based therapies will become possible after resolving the current barriers regarding safety aspects, purity and quantity of the cells, immunological rejection and ethical issues. Tissue engineering is an emerging research field that in combination with the ES cells might contribute to the development of new therapeutical concepts for treatment of severe degenerative diseases. Indeed, many important studies and concepts exist to develop strategies for generation of tissue engineered heart valves. Also, which heart cell type is optimal for cell therapy of cardiac insufficiency is controversially discussed. In this article we discuss interesting aspects of cardiac tissue engineering with special focus of embryonic stem cell derived cardiomyocytes. In addition, barriers of the tissue engineering approach as well as of the ES cells in general are discussed that should be conquered before ES-cellderived therapies can be considered for therapeutical application.