Interaction Between Mesenchymal Stromal Cells and Biological and Artificial Tracheal Scaffolds in Humans

Thursday, 28 June 2012 at 10:00

Add to Calendar ▼2012-06-28 10:00:002012-06-28 11:00:00Europe/LondonInteraction Between Mesenchymal Stromal Cells and Biological and Artificial Tracheal Scaffolds in HumansSELECTBIOenquiries@selectbiosciences.com

End-stage organ failure is one of the major challenges for medicine and this can worsen due to demographic changes. Despite enormous efforts in medical and basic research, allogenic organ transplantation is probably the only curable treatment option for these patients. However, the growing shortage of donor organs and the need for life-long immunosuppression with its associated morbidity are some requirements for novel therapeutic option. Tissue engineering  is becoming a very promising alternative and focuses on the basic components: i) a scaffold ii) cells iii) a bioreactor and iv) pharmaceutical intervention/bioactive molecules. Our recent clinical application of a tissue engineered trachea has demonstrated its the feasibility to replace damaged tissue and organs with rather simple architecture by using both synthetic and biological materials. Preclinical findings also suggest that even higher complex organs, such as the esophagus, lungs or hearts, can be successfully engineered and transferred to the clinic in the near future.  We are currently investigating underlying pathways and mechanisms of these mesenchymal stromal cell related clinical improvements. Only continuous evaluations and re-investigations of the already clinically applied methodology can provide stronger evidence to transfer the concept into clinical routine.