CD34+ Stem Cells: Promising Roles in Cardiac Repair and Regeneration

Publication date: Available online 11 June 2019Source: Canadian Journal of CardiologyAuthor(s): Tina Binesh Marvasti, Faisal J. Alibhai, Richard D. Weisel, Ren-Ke LiAbstractCell therapy has received significant attention as a novel therapeutic approach to restore cardiac function after injury. CD34+ stem cells have been investigated for their ability to promote angiogenesis and contribute to the prevention of remodeling post infarct. However, there are significant differences between murine and human CD34+ cells; understanding these differences may benefit the therapeutic use of these cells. Here we discuss the function of CD34 cell and highlight the similarities and differences between murine and human CD34 cell function which may explain some of the differences between the animal and human evolutions. We also summarize the studies which report the application of murine and human CD34+ cells in pre-clinical studies and clinical trials and current limitations with the application of cell therapy for cardiac repair. Finally, to overcome these limitations we discuss the application of novel humanized rodent models that can bridge the gap between pre-clinical and clinical studies as well as rejuvenation strategies for improving the quality of old CD34+ cells for future clinical trials of autologous cell transplant.
Source: Canadian Journal of Cardiology - Category: Cardiology Source Type: research