CNS Neurosci Ther. 2020 Jun; 26(6): 603–615.

Published online 2020 May 1. doi: 10.1111/cns.13378

Mesenchymal stem cell therapy alleviates the neuroinflammation associated with acquired brain injury

Brooke Bonsack, ¹ Sydney Corey, ¹ Alex Shear, ¹ Matt Heyck, ¹ Blaise Cozene, ¹ Nadia Sadanandan, ¹ Henry Zhang, ¹ Bella Gonzales‐Portillo, ¹ Michael Sheyner, ¹ and Cesar V. Borlongan ¹

Abstract

Ischemic stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI) comprise two particularly prevalent and costly examples of acquired brain injury (ABI). Following stroke or TBI, primary cell death and secondary cell death closely model disease progression and worsen outcomes. Mounting evidence indicates that long‐term neuroinflammation extensively exacerbates the secondary deterioration of brain structure and function. Due to their immunomodulatory and regenerative properties, mesenchymal stem cell transplants have emerged as a promising approach to treating this facet of stroke and TBI pathology. In this review, we summarize the classification of cell death in ABI and discuss the prominent role of inflammation. We then consider the efficacy of bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (BM‐MSC) transplantation as a therapy for these injuries. Finally, we examine recent laboratory and clinical studies utilizing transplanted BM‐MSCs as antiinflammatory and neurorestorative treatments for stroke and TBI. Clinical trials of BM‐MSC transplants for stroke and TBI support their promising protective and regenerative properties. Future research is needed to allow for better comparison among trials and to elaborate on the emerging area of cell‐based combination treatments.