Restoring neuroplasticity after CNS trauma: cell therapy approaches in spinal cord and traumatic brain injury.

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

• 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)

Background The central nervous system (CNS) has a limited regenerative capacity, rendering traumatic injuries such as spinal cord injury (SCI) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) highly disabling and difficult to treat. These insults trigger complex pathophysiological cascades, including extensive cell death, sustained inflammation, and the formation of a hostile inhibitory microenvironment that compromises neural plasticity and hampers tissue regeneration. The multifactorial nature of these mechanisms, together with a fragmented understanding of CNS plasticity, has hindered the development of effective therapeutic interventions. Main body In recent years, cell-based therapies have emerged as promising strategies to support neural repair and induce pro-regenerative processes. This approach encompasses multiple cell types, including bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs), umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSCs), as well as neural progenitor cells (NPCs) and olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs). Clinical studies in SCI have reported functional improvements, particularly following treatment with BMSCs and peripheral blood-derived stem cells, although substantial methodological heterogeneity limits definitive conclusions. In TBI, clinical evidence remains more limited; however, preclinical studies consistently demonstrate the neuropr

Evidence level

Evidence from laboratory and animal studies provides groundwork for understanding mechanisms and potential before human studies continue.

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