Unlocking stem cells’ full potential for treating multiple sclerosis
Highs, lows and future opportunities from OHRI’s MESEMS trial
Article via Signals Blog
Cells that are programmed to protect can sometimes go rogue, as is the case with multiple sclerosis, or MS. Overactive immune cells mistakenly target the tissues of the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves, igniting inflammatory flare-ups that destroy myelin, a fatty insulating material that encapsulates nerve fibers.
Over time, nerves lose their ability to transmit signals, and mobility, cognitive functions and vision take a serious hit.
There is no known cure for MS but researchers believe that by harnessing the natural healing properties of stem cells, they may offer hope to the 2.8 million MS patients worldwide. Canadian researchers have led global research efforts to investigate whether mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can slow symptom progression and perhaps even repair central nervous system damage and restore function.
“The fact that we showed the ability to obtain MSCs, grow them successfully in a laboratory, and put them back safely into patients in numerous different countries is no small feat.”
