Bone-Marrow-Derived Cell Therapies in Stroke: Immunomodulatory Effects

Abstract

Cell therapies have attracted significant attention in treating multiple neurological disorders including stroke. The preclinical studies have paved the road in understanding the potential clinical applications of cell therapies in stroke recovery. Cells can be obtained from multiple sources and transplanted through different routes. Animal and human studies suggest that cell therapies exert their effect via paracrine and immunomodulatory effects rather than physically replacing the damaged cells. Clinical studies are still in the early phases but show safety and feasibility and some hints at efficacy.