Current status of cell therapies in stroke

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in adults. Recovery after stroke is usually limited as there is no definite therapy to restore lost brain function. Cell therapy is an emerging paradigm in stroke therapy for patients with fixed neurologic deficits. Cell therapy for stroke may be greatly different from cell therapy for other disease conditions; the complexity of central nervous system structures and functions may limit its effectiveness. Recently, there have been several clinical trials of cell therapy for patients with ischemic stroke. In this review, the current status and limitations of cell therapy for stroke will be discussed. In addition, recent efforts and perspectives to improve therapeutic efficacy and safety of cell therapy will be summarized.