Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Ischemic Stroke

We need novel treatments for ischemic stroke to reduce the associated morbidity and mortality. Because they harness a cell's ability to repair and regenerate damaged tissue, stem cell–based therapies constitute an attractive and appealing option. In animal stroke models, stem cell therapies have shown promise.1–3 However, translation of these benefits to humans has proven challenging.1–4 Whereas the appeal of stem cell therapy for ischemic stroke is great, addressing the barriers to advance stem cell therapy to a stroke treatment remain substantial.