What are the obstacles that must be overcome before the potential uses of stem cells in cell therapy will be realized?
Here are just a few of the challenges that lie ahead. Firstly, a source of stem cells must be found. The process of identifying, isolating and growing the right kind of stem cell, for example a rare cell in the adult tissue, is painstaking. In general, embryonic and fetal stem cells are believed to be more versatile than tissue-specific stem cells. Secondly, once stem cells are identified and isolated, the right conditions must be developed so that the cells differentiate into the specialized cells required for a particular therapy. This too will require a great deal of experimentation. Thirdly, a system that delivers the cells to the right part of the body must be developed and the cells once there must be encouraged to integrate and function in concert with the body’s natural cells. Furthermore, just as in organ transplants, the body’s immune system must be suppressed to minimize the immune reaction set off by the transplanted cells.
Related Questions
- What are the potential uses of human stem cells and the obstacles that must be overcome before these potential uses will be realized?
- What are the obstacles that must be overcome before the potential uses of stem cells in cell therapy will be realized?
- What are the obstacles that must be overcome before the potential uses of stem cells will be realized?
