, 2004). Another example is the treatment of Krabbe’s disease (globoid cell leukodystrophy), a fatal lysosomal storage disease (LSD) in children, where clinical benefit is seen by presymptomatic treatment with allogeneic umbilical-cord blood stem Trichostatin A cells (Escolar et al., 2005). Correction in this and similar leukodystrophies is mediated by cellular enzyme replacement therapy through long-term engraftment of donor cells in the brain. In some cases,

the transplanted nonneural stem cells are present in the CNS for a very short period, perhaps weeks, but this short-term presence is envisioned to generate beneficial effectors such as cytokines to ameliorate the disease process. The use of transient nonneural cells to treat severe and progressive neurological conditions has been viewed with considerable skepticism, especially in the scientific community, and yet with considerable hope in the patient community. Now a number of clinical trials have been authorized; indeed, the regulatory hurdles for safety, e.g., using autologous stem cells, can be easier to surmount, and as they progress, efficacy for a variety of CNS indications will be determined. SanBio, Inc. is currently in phase I/lla trials with a genetically modified Selleck JQ1 bone marrow

stromal cell product for stroke, SB623, derived by transfection with a plasmid encoding the human Notch-1 IntraCellular Domain (NICD) in order to enhance the cells’ regenerative properties (Yasuhara et al., 2009), a process that may involve local delivery of soluble trophic factors, deposition of supportive extracellular matrix, and/or anti-inflammatory effects. SB623 will be delivered by direct transplantation into the brain, while other nonneural stem cell clinical trials are using intravenous infusion. Athersys, Inc. is investigating the administration of allogeneic bone marrow-derived multipotent adult progenitor cells two days after stroke. Aldagen is administering autologous bone-marrow stem cells into the carotid artery 2–3 weeks after stroke. Aldagen’s cells are selected for expression of high levels of ALDH enzyme, which enriches

for early hematopoietic cells (Gentry et al., 2007). A similar approach is being taken by Johnson and Johnson of using umbilical-cord-derived cells. Again, multiple mechanisms have been proposed for benefit, based on expression of a complex set of factors that reduce inflammation, protect surrounding brain cells, and stimulate host angiogenesis. CP is caused by damage to brain motor areas in utero or during childbirth, often due to ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. An ongoing study at Duke University is testing, in a randomized, placebo-controlled trial, whether an intravenous infusion of autologous cord blood, collected and banked at birth, can lessen the symptoms of children with CP between the ages of 1 and 6 years. TBI is a major cause of death and disability in young children and adults.