Hurdles to clinical translation of human induced pluripotent stem cells

J Clin Invest. 2015 Jul 1;125(7):2551-7. doi: 10.1172/JCI80575. Epub 2015 Jul 1.

Abstract

Human pluripotent stem cells are known to have the capacity to renew indefinitely, being intrinsically able to differentiate into many different cell types. These characteristics have generated tremendous enthusiasm about the potential applications of these cells in regenerative medicine. However, major challenges remain with the development and testing of novel experimental stem cell therapeutics in the field. In this Review, we focus on the nature of the preclinical challenges and discuss potential solutions that could help overcome them. Furthermore, we discuss the use of allogeneic versus autologous stem cell products, including a review of their respective advantages and disadvantages, major clinical requirements, quality standards, time lines, and costs of clinical grade development.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biological Specimen Banks / standards
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Histocompatibility Testing
  • Humans
  • Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells / cytology
  • Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells / immunology
  • Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells / transplantation*
  • Regenerative Medicine / trends
  • Safety
  • Stem Cell Transplantation / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Stem Cell Transplantation / standards
  • Stem Cell Transplantation / trends
  • Translational Research, Biomedical / trends
  • Transplantation, Autologous
  • Transplantation, Homologous
  • United States
  • United States Food and Drug Administration