Bone marrow stromal cells are one of several adult stem cells, and their unique characteristics make them promising candidates for clinical applications. Marrow stromal cells provide the possibility for autologous treatment, so a patient may be able to be treated with his or her own cells. Besides avoiding political red-tape and ethical arguments, autologous treatments also sidestep immune suppression and tissue rejection issues.

Hematopoietic stem cells reside in bone marrow and develop into all the types of blood cells in the body. Other supportive cells in the marrow provide support and nutrition to these stem cells. These stromal cells are known to produce a number of trophic factors. We have utilized these cells in the hopes that their known supported roles can be translated into the injured CNS.

Both figures from the NIH Stem Cell Primer

 
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