Stem Cell-Based Regenerative Strategies for Repair and Functional Restoration in Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury
- Jun 20
- 2 min read
Original Research | 2026 | Volume 3 | Issue 3 | Page 1-9
1) Dr. Shahan Layek, Independent Researcher, West Bengal, India
2) Dr. Manoj Kumar, Tutor, Department of Physiology, JHMC-WB
Abstract
Background: Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating neurological condition that frequently results in permanent motor, sensory, and autonomic dysfunction, significantly impairing quality of life and imposing substantial socioeconomic burdens. Current treatment approaches, including surgical decompression, stabilisation, and rehabilitation, primarily aim to prevent secondary damage rather than restore lost neural tissue. Stem cell-based regenerative therapies have emerged as a promising strategy to promote neural repair, functional recovery, and modulation of the hostile post-injury microenvironment.
Objective: This review examines the therapeutic potential of stem cell-based regenerative strategies to repair injured spinal cord tissue and restore neurological function following traumatic SCI.
Methods: A comprehensive narrative review of published literature was undertaken using major biomedical databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase. Relevant preclinical and clinical studies evaluating mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs), induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cells, embryonic stem cell (ESC)-derived progenitors, and emerging combinatorial approaches were critically analysed.
Results: Experimental evidence indicates that stem cell therapies contribute to neuroprotection, axonal regeneration, remyelination, angiogenesis, immunomodulation, and secretion of neurotrophic factors. Mesenchymal stem cells demonstrate favourable safety profiles and anti-inflammatory effects, whereas neural stem cells and pluripotent stem cell-derived progenitors show greater potential for neuronal replacement and circuit reconstruction. Combination therapies integrating biomaterial scaffolds, extracellular vesicles, gene editing, growth factors, and rehabilitation have demonstrated superior regenerative outcomes in preclinical models compared with stem cell therapy alone. Early-phase clinical trials suggest that stem cell transplantation is generally safe and may provide modest improvements in neurological and functional recovery; however, variability in cell source, transplantation timing, dosage, delivery routes, and patient selection limits definitive conclusions regarding efficacy.
Conclusion: Stem cell-based regenerative medicine represents a promising frontier for treating traumatic spinal cord injury by targeting multiple mechanisms underlying tissue repair and neurological recovery.