Abstract
Peripheral neuropathy is a common neurological issue that leads to sensory and motor disorders. Over time, the treatment for peripheral neuropathy has primarily focused on medications for specific symptoms and surgical techniques. Despite the different advantages of these treatments, functional recovery remains less than ideal. Schwann cells, as the primary glial cells in the peripheral nervous system, play crucial roles in physiological and pathological conditions by maintaining nerve structure and functions and secreting various signaling molecules and neurotrophic factors to support both axonal growth and myelination. In addition, stem cells, including mesenchymal stromal cells, skin precursor cells and neural stem cells, have the potential to differentiate into Schwann-like cells to perform similar functions as Schwann cells. Therefore, accumulating evidence indicates that Schwann cell transplantation plays a crucial role in the resolution of peripheral neuropathy. In this review, we summarize the literature regarding the use of Schwann cell/Schwann cell-like cell transplantation for different peripheral neuropathies and the potential role of promoting nerve repair and functional recovery. Finally, we discuss the limitations and challenges of Schwann cell/Schwann cell-like cell transplantation in future clinical applications. Together, these studies provide insights into the effect of Schwann cells/Schwann cell-like cells on cell therapy and uncover prospective therapeutic strategies for peripheral neuropathy.
Highlights
Peripheral neuropathies are commonly encountered disorders that result from a great number of etiologies, including trauma and side effects of diseases and treatments (Hughes, 2002)
Bortezomib-treated Schwann cells were analyzed by gene expression microarray, and the results indicated endoplasmic reticulum damage to Schwann cells accompanied by the downregulation of myelin-related genes, which was verified in a patient with high-dose bortezomib-induced peripheral neuropathy (Filosto et al, 2007; Shin et al, 2010)
Emerging evidence has demonstrated the important role of Schwann cell/Schwann cell-like cell therapy in alleviating peripheral neuropathy, but a variety of challenges still need to be investigated
Summary
Peripheral neuropathies are commonly encountered disorders that result from a great number of etiologies, including trauma and side effects of diseases and treatments (Hughes, 2002). Bone marrow stromal cell (BMSC)-derived Schwann cells from rats (Mimura et al, 2004; Ao et al, 2011), humans (Shimizu et al, 2007) and rabbits (Wang et al, 2011) may mediate improvements in regenerative axon populations, motor functions and the reconstruction of Ranvier nodes and myelination in rat sciatic nerve transection with a 12 mm gap and a 10 mm gap, as well as in rabbit facial nerve buccal branch transection within a 1 cm gap.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
