The Unique Properties of Placental Mesenchymal Stromal Cells: A Novel Source of Therapy for Congenital and Acquired Spinal Cord Injury.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating condition with no effective treatment options available. Spina bifida, the most common cause of a birth defect SCI, results from incomplete closure of the spinal canal during development which creates damage to the baby’s spinal cord. Spina bifida treatment research has largely involved cell-based therapies that stems derived from adult tissue sources, such as bone-marrow, umbilical cord, and fat tissue. The capacity of these cells to differentiate into multiple cell types and release proteins that can protect the spinal cord has been recognized as an effective method to treat conditions, such as SCI. The first stem cell clinical trial for spinal bifida treatment is currently underway (NCT04652908), testing the efficacy of placental derived stem cell (PMSCs) implantation during fetal repair of spina bifida. PMSCs have been shown to exhibit uniquely properties that promote tissue re-growth and blood vessel formation compared to stem derived from other sources. This review will summarize the regenerative properties of PMSCs and their current use in cellular therapeutics for SCI treatment.