Advances in Stem Cell Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis: An Overview of Preclinical and Clinical Studies

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative and autoimmune disease characterized by demyelination and neuronal damage. Current therapies mainly focus on managing severe attacks and alleviating symptoms, but no available treatments can halt or reverse disease progression. Stem cells have demonstrated significant therapeutic potential in various neurological disorders, either by replacing damaged cells or through trophic effects, such as promoting remyelination, reducing inflammation, and protecting neurons. These findings suggest their potential to slow down or partially reverse the MS-related pathological mechanisms. This thesis investigates the feasibility and efficacy of stem cell-based treatments for MS by analyzing both preclinical and clinical studies involving various stem cell types, including mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), neural stem cells (NSCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). The work compares outcomes from experimental models and clinical trial patients, focusing on the challenges and benefits of stem cell therapies for MS. Furthermore, it evaluates the feasibility of translation from preclinical successes to clinical efficacy, outlining both the possibilities and the limitations of cell-based therapies in progressive MS.