Cell-based therapies

Cell-based therapies have been proposed as an alternative to whole organ transplantation, as a temporary bridge to transplantation, and/or an adjunct to traditional therapies during liver regeneration. The three main approaches that have been proposed include transplantation of isolated hepatocytes, implantation of tissue-engineered constructs and perfusion of blood through an extracorporeal bioartificial device containing liver cells called hepatocytes. Despite significant investigations into each of these areas, progress has been slow due to the propensity for isolated hepatocytes to rapidly lose viability and key liver-specific functions in vitro. Many liver support systems have undergone clinical trials, but they have not been found effective for routine use. The future success and applications of liver cell-based therapies will depend at least in part on a properly engineered microenvironment that allows liver cells to maintain their phenotype and function at optimal levels. Allen et al, 2001.

Cell-Based Therapies for Liver Disease