Umbilical Cord Blood Transplantation: Connecting Its Origin to Its Future

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

Transplantation of umbilical cord blood (UCB) is an attractive alternative source of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). The unique properties of cord blood and its distinct immune tolerance and engraftment kinetics compared to bone marrow (BM) and peripheral blood progenitor cells, permit a wider disparity in human leukocyte antigen levels between a cord blood donor and recipient after an unrelated umbilical cord blood transplant (UCBT). In addition, it is readily available and has a lowered risk of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), with similar long-term clinical outcomes, compared to BM transplants. However, the relatively low number of cells administered by UCB units, as well as the associated delayed engraftment and immune reconstitution, pose limitations to the wide application of UCBT. Research into several aspects of UCBT has been evaluated, including the ex vivo expansion of cord blood HSCs and the process of fucosylation to enhance engraftment. Additionally, UCB has also been used in the treatment of several neurodegenerative and cardiovascular disorders with varying degrees of success. In this article, we will discuss the biology, clinical indications, and benefits of UCBT in pediatric and adult populations. We will also discuss future directions for the use of cord blood.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)55-71
Number of pages17
JournalStem Cells Translational Medicine
Volume12
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 3 2023

Keywords

  • adult hematopoietic stem cells
  • cord blood
  • stem cell transplantation
  • stem/progenitor cell
  • umbilical cord blood

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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