Published online Jul 26, 2019. doi: 10.4252/wjsc.v11.i7.421
Peer-review started: February 24, 2019
First decision: April 16, 2019
Revised: April 22, 2019
Accepted: June 12, 2019
Article in press: June 13, 2019
Published online: July 26, 2019
Processing time: 154 Days and 4.7 Hours
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) technology has propelled the field of stem cells biology, providing new cells to explore the molecular mechanisms of pluripotency, cancer biology and aging. A major advantage of human iPSC, compared to the pluripotent embryonic stem cells, is that they can be generated from virtually any embryonic or adult somatic cell type without destruction of human blastocysts. In addition, iPSC can be generated from somatic cells harvested from normal individuals or patients, and used as a cellular tool to unravel mechanisms of human development and to model diseases in a manner not possible before. Besides these fundamental aspects of human biology and physiology that are revealed using iPSC or iPSC-derived cells, these cells hold an immense potential for cell-based therapies, and for the discovery of new or personalized pharmacological treatments for many disorders. Here, we review some of the current challenges and concerns about iPSC technology. We introduce the potential held by iPSC for research and development of novel health-related applications. We briefly present the efforts made by the scientific and clinical communities to create the necessary guidelines and regulations to achieve the highest quality standards in the procedures for iPSC generation, characterization and long-term preservation. Finally, we present some of the audacious and pioneer clinical trials in progress with iPSC-derived cells.
Core tip: In this review, we present the current status on the basic and applied research involving induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC). We discuss concerns around iPSC reprogramming technology, and present initiatives that have been recently developed for the use of iPSC in health-related issues. We also introduce some of the audacious clinical trials already ongoing to treat patients with cells derived from iPSC.