Bioengineered Cellular and Acellular Therapies for Ischemic Heart Disease in Clinically Relevant Models

Several human studies show positive signals, while research methods and sample sizes continue to develop.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Despite significant improvements in revascularization strategies and medical management, ischemic heart disease (IHD) remains the top cause of mortality and disability worldwide. The myocardium lacks regenerative capacity and consequently, recovery depends on re-establishing microvascular integrity and sustaining angiogenesis to preserve viable myocardium. Emerging and novel bioengineering approaches, such as stem cells, extracellular vesicles (EVs), and matrix-based strategies, seek to address this unmet need by promoting neovascularization and structural restoration. However, clinical translation remains limited by poor engraftment, product variability, and arrhythmogenic risk. Large animal models provide a clinically relevant platform to thoroughly investigate these interventions and ideally enhance their translational potential. This review discusses cellular approaches leveraging stem and progenitor cells and acellular modalities using extracellular vesicles, growth factors, or extracellular matrix-based scaffolds with an emphasis on large animal translational models and clinical trials.

Evidence level

Several human studies show positive signals, while research methods and sample sizes continue to develop.

Browse all related research

Filter the research library by this study's title keywords, author, or publication year.