Olfactory ensheathing cells for spinal cord repair: crucial differences between subpopulations of the glia

OECs for spinal cord repair: Is repairing the injured spinal cord by olfactory ensheathing cell (OEC) transplantation possible? A recent human trial in which a paralysed man regained some function after transplantation of partially purified OECs suggests that this therapy may be a successful approach (Tabakow et al., 2014). In another human trial in which olfactory mucosa lamina propria was transplanted, patients recovered some motor and sensory function (Wang et al., 2015). While these results show promise, it is clear that improvements are needed to provide patients with increased functional output. Strategies to improve the therapeutic use of OECs may include improving the purification of the OECs used for transplantation, using them in combination with growth factors to combat the inhibitory environment and improve axon growth, the use of nerve bridges, advanced physiotherapy and the use of exoskeleton robotics to reinforce functional connections. Of all these approaches, it is probably crucial that the purity of OECs is primarily addressed to ensure consistency in outcomes.