Systematic review of the therapeutic use of Schwann cells in the repair of peripheral nerve injuries: Advancements from animal studies to clinical trials

Abstract

ObjectiveTo systematically evaluate the literature on the therapeutic use of Schwann cells (SC) in the repair of peripheral nerve injuries.MethodsThe Cochrane Library and PubMed databases were searched using terms [(“peripheral nerve injury” AND “Schwann cell” AND “regeneration”) OR (“peripheral nerve injuries”)]. Studies published from 2008 to 2022 were eligible for inclusion in the present study. Only studies presenting data from in-vivo investigations utilizing SCs in the repair of peripheral nerve injuries qualified for review. Studies attempting repair of a gap of ≥10 mm were included. Lastly, studies needed to have some measure of quantifiable regenerative outcome data such as histomorphometry, immunohistochemical, electrophysiology, or other functional outcomes.ResultsA search of the PubMed and Cochrane databases revealed 328 studies. After screening using the abstracts and methods, 17 studies were found to meet our inclusion criteria. Good SC adherence and survival in conduit tubes across various studies was observed. Improvement in morphological and functional outcomes with the use of SCs in long gap peripheral nerve injuries was observed in nearly all studies.ConclusionBased on contemporary literature, SCs have demonstrated clear potential in the repair of peripheral nerve injury in animal studies. It has yet to be determined which nerve conduit or graft will prove superior for delivery and retention of SCs for nerve regeneration. Recent developments in isolation and culturing techniques will enable further translational utilization of SCs in future clinical trials.

Development and In Vitro Differentiation of Schwann Cells

“…Subsequently, nerve regeneration was measured. As these studies aimed for in vivo transplantation and often used adult Schwann cells or evaluated Schwann cell differentiation in the construct only after transplantation, we will not describe these in further detail here, but redirect to other reviews [ 304 , 305 , 306 , 307 , 308 ]. However, these studies yielded information about the culture matrices compatible with Schwann cell growth, and others have also evaluated their effect on the differentiation and behavior of Schwann cells in vitro, for which we will provide a brief overview in this section.…”

Improving Schwann Cell Differentiation from Human Adipose Stem Cells with Metabolic Glycoengineering

“…Schwann cells (SCs) are the critical glial cells due to their roles in the development, maintenance, function, and regeneration of nerves in the peripheral nervous system [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. SCs are able to improve nerve regeneration after nerve injury through decreased expression of myelin-related protein and increased expression of cell adhesion molecules, neurotrophic factors, and cytokines [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ]. These changes facilitate axonal regeneration by guiding distal nerve stump and basal lamina growth.…”

A Multi-Stage Bioprocess for the Expansion of Rodent Skin-Derived Schwann Cells in Computer-Controlled Bioreactors

“…Cell therapy is considered a promising treatment of spinal cord and peripheral nerve injuries [ 1 ]. Amongst many proposed cell types, Schwann cells (SCs) are one of the best candidates for nerve repair due to their inherent abilities to promote axon regeneration and remyelination [ 2 , 3 ]. Following nerve injury, SCs distal to the lesion dedifferentiate and adopt a repair phenotype which initiates a cascade of cellular reprogramming.…”