Human Cord Blood-Derived Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells: From Biology to Medicine

Abstract

Umbilical cord blood (UCB) has been recognized as an important source of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. Studies performed during the past 20 years have demonstrated that such hematopoietic cells possess higher proliferation and expansion potentials, as compared to their adult counterparts, and their capacity to self-renew is also superior to that of adult cells. Based on such biological observations, it has been possible to take UCB cells into the clinic. Indeed, UCB transplantation has become a first-line therapy for specific hematological conditions, particularly in pediatric patients. Interestingly, its application has expanded to adult patients through the use of large single units or double-unit transplants. It is estimated that more than 20,000 UCB transplants have been performed worldwide and that more than 460,000 UCB units are currently stored in UCB banks in several countries. UCB-derived stem and progenitor cells have already been used in cellular therapy protocols and they will likely play important roles in the medicine of the 21st century.