Cell transplantation therapy using induced pluripotent stem cell-derived dopaminergic progenitors for Parkinson's disease

Abstract

Cell transplantation therapy for Parkinson's disease has been shown to be effective in some cases in clinical trials of fetal cell transplantation. Based on these results, research has been conducted by using pluripotent stem cells, such as embryonic stem（ES） cells and induced pluripotent stem（iPS） cells, as a cell supply source. Clinical trials of cell transplantation therapy using pluripotent stem cells have recently been initiated around the world, and in Japan, a Physician-led clinical trial using iPS cells were initiated in 2018. In this article, we discuss the history of cell transplantation therapy for Parkinson's disease and details of development of cell transplantation therapy using pluripotent stem cells, including pre-clinical studies for the clinical trial. The indications, methods, and risks in the clinical trials are also outlined.