Stem cells and regenerative medicine in lung biology and diseases

Mol Ther. 2012 Jun;20(6):1116-30. doi: 10.1038/mt.2012.37. Epub 2012 Mar 6.

Abstract

A number of novel approaches for repair and regeneration of injured lung have developed over the past several years. These include a better understanding of endogenous stem and progenitor cells in the lung that can function in reparative capacity as well as extensive exploration of the potential efficacy of administering exogenous stem or progenitor cells to function in lung repair. Recent advances in ex vivo lung engineering have also been increasingly applied to the lung. The current status of these approaches as well as initial clinical trials of cell therapies for lung diseases are reviewed below.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Embryonic Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Immunomodulation
  • Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Lung / physiology*
  • Lung Diseases / immunology
  • Lung Diseases / therapy*
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells
  • Neoplastic Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Regeneration
  • Regenerative Medicine*
  • Stem Cell Transplantation
  • Stem Cells / metabolism*
  • Tissue Engineering