Stem cell-based therapy and regenerative approaches to diseases of the respiratory system

Despite treatment advances in many diseases of the respiratory system, outcome remains poor. This systematic review (PubMed and Ovid) 'analyses stem cell (SC)-based therapy and regenerative medicine (RM) approaches as potential novel strategies for diseases of the respiratory system. Current preclinical research and ongoing clinical trials are presented and their potential clinical impact and routine application discussed. These approaches may represent a promising alternative therapy for otherwise irreversible respiratory diseases. Several experimental and initial clinical data now exist. Type of SC, limits of tissue engineering, route of delivery, cell behaviour (differentiation, growth, co-stimulation or immunomodulation) and interaction with the human microenvironment upon implantation. Investigating underlying pathways and mechanisms. Evaluating gene, epigenetic and protein regulation. Interaction with the environment under diseased and healthy conditions. Detecting approaches with significant scientific and clinical impact. The potential capacity of SC-based therapy and RM should be carefully investigated before their translation into clinical practice.