Overview of Cellular Therapy

Cellular therapy is the use of viable cells and tissues for the treatment of disease. Cell and tissue donors can be syngeneic, allogeneic, or autologous. Current good tissue and manufacturing practices must be followed to prevent the introduction, transmission, and spread of communicable diseases. Donor qualification, controlled environments, use of sterile supplies and reagents, and evaluation of purity, potency, and safety of products are required. When selecting a cell type for the development of a cellular therapy the goals and purpose of the therapy must be considered. The cell source should be readily available and in sufficient quantities to provide the desired effects. Either stem cells or adult tissue specific differentiated cells can be used as starting cell source. Stem cells are undifferentiated cells capable of unlimited self-renewal; under appropriate conditions they differentiate into specific cell type(s). Stem cells are most useful for repair or repopulation of damaged tissues, and can be derived from embryonic or adult tissues. Adult tissue specific differentiated cells may be used when the function of a specific differentiated cell type is desired.