Published online Dec 26, 2020. doi: 10.4252/wjsc.v12.i12.1511
Peer-review started: June 30, 2020
First decision: October 21, 2020
Revised: October 23, 2020
Accepted: November 11, 2020
Article in press: November 11, 2020
Published online: December 26, 2020
Processing time: 180 Days and 2.1 Hours
Umbilical cord blood (UCB) is a primitive and abundant source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). UCB-derived MSCs have a broad and efficient therapeutic capacity to treat various diseases and disorders. Despite the high latent self-renewal and differentiation capacity of these cells, the safety, efficacy, and yield of MSCs expanded for ex vivo clinical applications remains a concern. However, immunomodulatory effects have emerged in various disease models, exhibiting specific mechanisms of action, such as cell migration and homing, angiogenesis, anti-apoptosis, proliferation, anti-cancer, anti-fibrosis, anti-inflammation and tissue regeneration. Herein, we review the current literature pertaining to the UCB-derived MSC application as potential treatment strategies, and discuss the concerns regarding the safety and mass production issues in future applications.
Core Tip: Umbilical cord blood (UCB) is a primitive and rich source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). UCB-derived MSCs have the potential of exerting profound immunomodulatory effects with the secretion of factors and cytokines. However, the safety and yield of UCB-derived MSCs are still a concern. Next-generation stem cell therapy is necessary, referring to the mass production of efficient stem cells based on the fundamental technology, to improve whole cell processing.